AAP MP Kang seeks rail links for Sikh holy sites

Chandigarh: An Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP from Punjab has called on the central govt to bridge critical gaps in the state's railway network, urging the immediate connection of two major regional hubs and the restoration of services lost during the pandemic.Participating in a Lok Sabha discussion on railway grants, Malvinder Singh Kang emphasised that key constituencies under the Anandpur Sahib segment — Chamkaur Sahib and Balachaur — remain entirely isolated from the national rail grid.Religious and regional connectivityKang highlighted the immense historical significance of Sri Chamkaur Sahib, a site of profound religious importance that attracts millions of devotees annually. He argued that the lack of a rail link hampers both pilgrimage and local economic growth. Kang formally sought rail connectivity for Balachaur and Chamkaur Sahib to integrate them into the national network.He requested for daily superfast train services to connect the three major Sikh Takhts — Kesgarh Sahib, Hazoor Sahib, and Patna Sahib — noting that the cancellation of direct flights has left pilgrims stranded. The MP called for the reopening of Chatouli station, which has remained shuttered since the Covid-19 lockdowns.Infrastructure bottlenecksWhile Kang expressed gratitude for the "world-class" redevelopment of the Anandpur Sahib station under the Amrit Bharat scheme, he flagged significant local delays. He pressed the railway ministry to expedite four overbridge projects in the Ropar district, which he claimed were causing severe traffic congestion. The MP also welcomed a ₹900 crore semiconductor laboratory project for Mohali, suggesting that improved rail logistics would be vital to supporting Punjab's emerging tech sector. MSID:: 129634390 413 |