Historic move: Takht Sri Damdama Sahib gets rail connectivity, Centre approves ₹1118 crore project

Bathinda (The Uttam Hindu): Fulfilling the long-standing demand of the Sikh community, the Central Government has approved the rail connectivity of the fourth Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo). Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, who reached Bathinda, said that the Central Government has approved a project worth Rs 1118 crore to connect Takht Sri Damdama Sahib with rail transport, under which a new railway line will be laid up to Takht Sri Damdama Sahib. He said that there will be a total of seven stations on this railway line, which include Ram Mandi, Laleana, Talwandi Sabo, Jagga Ram Tirtha, Kamalu Swachh, Kamalu Junction and Sadda Singh Wala Shamah.

Bittu stated that 151.912 hectares of land will be acquired for this rail line in Bathinda district and 40.508 hectares in Mansa district; the line will also be completely gate-free, with bridges constructed under and over it. He expressed his gratitude to the central government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Union Railway Minister for approving this vitally important project.

Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu said that the Railway Department initially considered the project a loss-making venture. He met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve the issue. According to Bittu, the Prime Minister responded very positively, saying, "When it comes to Punjab, there's no denying it." Bittu recalled the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur, who said Modi had said that Takht Sahib is ours, and the train must reach the place where Guru Tegh Bahadur's feet rested, preserving the nation and religion.