The Fact News Service
New Delhi/Chandigarh, March 18
In a address during the discussion on “Demands for Grants under the Ministry of Railways” in the Lok Sabha, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Malvinder Singh Kang, representing the sacred constituency of Shri Anandpur Sahib, raised critical demands to address the Railway related developmental needs of his region.
Direct Train from Shri Anandpur Sahib to Hazur Sahib Nanded
MP Malvinder Singh Kang emphasized the historical and spiritual significance of Shri Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of the Khalsa, and Hazur Sahib Nanded, where Guru Gobind Singh Ji attained eternal rest. He pointed out the demand for a direct train service between these two sacred sites. Although the Sachkhand Express currently connects Amritsar to Hazur Sahib Nanded, Kang argued that a dedicated train from Shri Anandpur Sahib is essential to accommodate the lakhs of devotees who visit Hazur Sahib annually. He urged the Railway Minister to fulfill this long-standing demand, which would benefit not only the Doaba region but also the Puadh area of Punjab.
Pending Irrigation Project at Ropar
Highlighting the Punjab Government’s exemplary work in expanding canal irrigation under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership, Kang expressed concern over a major irrigation project in Rupnagar (Ropar District) that remains stalled due to a pending No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Railways. He requested the Minister’s intervention to expedite the NOC issuance, enabling greater water distribution to farmlands in the region.
Safety Concerns on Trains
Kang also brought to light the persistent issue of thefts on trains, including in air-conditioned first-class and second-class compartments. He urged the Ministry to take concrete measures to ensure passenger safety during travel, emphasizing the need for stricter security protocols to curb such incidents.
Railway Connectivity for Balachaur and Chamkaur Sahib
MP Kang underlined the urgent need for railway connectivity to Balachaur and Chamkaur Sahib, two prominent assembly constituencies in the Shri Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha region. He noted that Balachaur remains unconnected to the railway network, despite the potential for links which would significantly enhance regional accessibility. Similarly, he stressed the importance of connecting Chamkaur Sahib, the site of the great martyrdom of Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, to the railway network. Kang said that such connections would facilitate travel for millions of devotees who visit these sacred sites annually.
Vande Bharat Express Stop at Rupnagar
While expressing gratitude for the inclusion of Shri Anandpur Sahib as a stop for the Vande Bharat Express (Delhi to Una), Kang highlighted the absence of a stop at Rupnagar. He requested the Railway Minister to consider this demand, which would ease travel for residents and improve regional connectivity.
Construction of Overbridge or Underpass in Beli
Addressing the severe traffic congestion caused by a railway crossing in Beli that remains closed for 8-10 hours daily, Kang called for the construction of an overbridge or underpass. He also urged the Ministry to provide an overbridge on National Highway 205 at critical points like Ghanauli, Banga Sahib, and Kiratpur Sahib, which face heavy traffic jams due to the lack of proper infrastructure.
Concluding his address, MP Malvinder Singh Kang said that Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu was elected from Shri Anandpur Sahib when he was first time MP in the Lok Sabha and expressed hope that the Railway Minister would take immediate steps to address these pressing demands and ensure the development of Shri Anandpur Sahib and its surrounding areas.
