Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament from Sri Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi and submitted three separate representations highlighting long-pending railway infrastructure and public safety issues in Punjab.
Kang thanked the Union Minister for giving a patient hearing to the concerns of Punjab’s people and assured him of the Punjab Government’s full cooperation in expediting development projects.
During the meeting, Kang urged the Railway Minister to approve the construction of a Railway Under Bridge (RUB) at the Nawanshahr railway crossing on the Rahon–Ghakuwal–Kariyam Road in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.
He said the crossing has become a major bottleneck for commuters, farmers, traders, schoolchildren, and emergency vehicles, leading to severe traffic congestion and long delays. According to Kang, the proposed RUB would improve connectivity, reduce traffic pressure on adjoining roads, and ensure safer and smoother movement for the public.
Kang also sought the construction of an underpass at the Kariyam Road railway crossing. He informed the Minister that the railway gate remains closed for nearly eight to ten hours daily, affecting villages such as Rahon, Ghakowal, Karyam, Beli, Bara Pind, Bhauwal, and Tapprian Bas. He said the prolonged closure disrupts emergency medical services, daily commuting, and agricultural activities, making the project an urgent public necessity.
Another issue raised by the MP was Railway Crossing C-62 (41-42) at Village Basiala in Garhshankar, Hoshiarpur district. Kang demanded immediate deployment of railway staff, full manning of the crossing, and implementation of all essential safety measures. He noted that after the resumption of rail services and completion of electrification on the section, the unmanned crossing has become a serious safety concern for school buses, emergency vehicles, agricultural machinery, and daily commuters.
Kang further highlighted the long-pending demand for railway connectivity to Sri Chamkaur Sahib, the historic site associated with the martyrdom of the Vadde Sahibzadas. He said that despite its immense historical and religious importance, the town remains disconnected from the railway network and urged the Railway Ministry to take steps to connect it by rail.
MP also pointed out the absence of railway connectivity in Balachaur, an important Assembly constituency under the Sri Anandpur Sahib parliamentary constituency. He requested the Minister to consider extending the rail network to Balachaur, stating that improved railway connectivity would boost regional development, tourism, and provide better transport facilities to local residents.
Expressing confidence in the Union Minister’s positive approach, Kang said Ashwini Vaishnaw assured him that all the demands would be examined on priority. He expressed hope that these long-pending public demands would soon receive the necessary approvals.
