punjab-gets-rail-link-to-takht-sri-damdama-sahib

The Centre on Friday sanctioned a railway link to Talwandi Sabo, the site of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, one of the five Takhts of Sikhism. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu said the project represents not just development, but also faith, pride, and long-awaited justice for Punjab.

 

He said Takht Sri Damdama Sahib will now be linked by rail to the other four Takhts, marking a major step in improving religious and regional connectivity. He added that the Raman Mandi–Sadda Singhwala New Broad Gauge Rail Line Project is a key infrastructure project under the Mansa–Bathinda Doubling Project. The 42.9-km line will be built at a cost of Rs 1,118.47 crore, with an average cost of Rs 26.07 crore per km.

The project will cover the districts of Mansa and Bathinda and is expected to boost transport and regional development. It will require 192.42 hectares of land, including 40.50 hectares in Mansa and 151.91 hectares in Bathinda. The project will include six stations—two existing and four new ones: Laleana, Talwandi Sabo, Jaga Ram Tirath and Kamalu Sawaich, along with a junction cabin at Kamalu Sawaich.

The rail line will be fully level crossing-free. It will include two major bridges, one additional major bridge component, 56 minor bridges, and 55 road under bridges (RUBs). It will also have 2x25 KV electric traction and the advanced MACLS-III signalling system.

 

In a post on X, Sunil Jakhar said "With the blessings of the revered Gurus, the Government of India is connecting sacred Takht Sri Damdama Sahib with a railway link. A new railway line will be constructed at a cost of Rs 1,118 crore. Congratulations to all Punjabis." 

 

Bittu also criticised previous governments in Punjab, saying that despite decades of rule by Congress, AAP, and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), key infrastructure projects and respect for Sikh heritage were neglected. He alleged that these parties used faith for political gain, but failed to deliver results, such as connecting all five Takhts by rail.

 

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