Punjab NRI Minister Pushes for Enhanced Rail Connectivity and Station Renaming

Punjab NRI Minister S Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal lobbied Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu for improved rail connectivity in the Ajnala-Ballaharwal border area and advocated renaming Ramdas/RDS station after Baba Budha Sahib Ji. He emphasized the importance of these measures for public benefit and tourism enhancement.

Punjab NRI Minister S Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Tuesday urged Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu to address the lack of rail connectivity in the Ajnala-Ballaharwal border area. Dhaliwal emphasized the integration of this region into the broader Indian railway network for public benefit. Additionally, he advocated for renaming the Ramdas/RDS railway station after Baba Budha Sahib Ji, the first revered Head Priest of Golden Temple, Amritsar.

Dhaliwal called for the reconstruction of an elevated permanent platform at the Ramdas/RDS railway station in Amritsar district to include essential amenities like potable water, passenger shelters, lights, and fans. He also requested an increase in train frequency at this station from four to at least six pairs to meet the public demand. The minister sought the extension of trains currently terminating at Verka to Amritsar or beyond.

In a letter to the Union Minister, Dhaliwal pointed out that the Ramdas/RDS station, which predates the partition of India and Pakistan, currently lacks a platform and has limited rail connectivity. He highlighted the underdeveloped nature of the Ajnala border area due to poor road infrastructure, with residents relying heavily on Amritsar city for daily needs. He proposed extending the train service via Balharwal to benefit Ajnala residents.

Dhaliwal also underscored Amritsar's significance as a major urban center and argued that enhanced rail connectivity would benefit a wide range of people, including patients, industrial workers, and students. He noted that the proposed rail link would boost religious tourism, given the area's religious importance, including landmarks like the Joti-Jot place of Baba Budha Sahib Ji and the historical Gurdwara Baba Gamchuk Ji in Balharwal.

Dhalwal revealed that the Union Minister assured a facelift for the Ramdas Railway Station within six months and agreed to rename it after Baba Buddha Sahib Ji. Bittu also gave principal approval for connecting the Ajnala-Balharwal border area via the Sri Amritsar Sahib rail route, assuring prompt consideration of this matter.

(With inputs from agencies.)