Anandpur Sahib – A new inaugural train connecting Anandpur Sahib with Amritsar, two highest temporal seats of the Sikhs was flagged off on 23rd March by railway minister Suresh Prabhu.
Union railway minister said that the new train has been introduced keeping in view the likely arrival of thousands of devotees to Anandpur Sahib to participate in the 350th foundation day celebrations of the town.
The train is scheduled to run regularly from April 13 (Baisakhi) between Nangal and Amritsar. It comprises a coach of air conditioned chair car and three-tier (AC) each along with general class facility. The halts of the train are yet to be decided, though tentatively it will stop Ananadpur Sahib, Kurali, Samrala, Ludhiana and Jalandhar.
It has been learnt that the daily train will start from Nangal in the morning to reach Amritsar within six hours and return the same day.
The minister said the train was being introduced to mark the 350th foundation anniversary of Anandpur Sahib. He said Gurbani would be played in all the coaches of the new train. Prabhu appealed to the people to join ‘kar sewa’ to clean the trains and railway stations. “I will organise a meeting of religious leaders in Delhi to seek their cooperation in keeping the trains and railway stations clean,” he said.
On the demand by local MP Prem Singh Chandumajra, Prabhu agreed to build six railway over-bridges at Ropar, Garhshankar, Kurali, Gharota, Bahlu and Morinda. He also agreed to build a model railway station at Anandpur Sahib. Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, who accompanied the Railway Minister, announced that the state government would develop Anandpur Sahib as a tourist hub.