Rail and Road Connectivity is the first step which one needs to strengthen for seeking development of the region as easier and quicker movement of people and cargo is a necessary criteria for setting up any business venture whether a Hospital or a University or an Industrial project. And increasing this connectivity has been his emphasis in his first term as Congress Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur said Vijay Inder Singla at the flag off ceremony of Shatabdi Express at Dhuri station today.
2. Sangrur MP informed that for decades the interests of this backward region were not being taken up effectively by various stakeholders and only recently the Sangrur/Barnala region has started received attention because of his efforts. The region has now got new direct trains for Hazoor Nanded Saheb, Ajmer, Sirsa, Jammu Tawi, Shatabdi etc. and new halts and increased running frequency of many mail/express trains. He emphasized that getting approval of electrification work of Jakhal – Lehra – Sunam - Sangrur - Dhuri –Malerkotla- Ludhiana rail line at a cost of about Rs 126 crore was not easy and once completed, will lead to introduction of additional trains which move on a electric engine rather than a diesel engine - making rail travel faster but also more environment friendly. He also informed that a number of Rail Bridges have also been approved by the Indian Railways in this area namely at Sangrur (Rs 30.26 crore), Lehra ( Rs 4.96 crore) and Dhuri (Rs 2.97 crore) which will also ease traffic congestion in the area – a problem troubling the residents of the region for many years now.
3. Sangrur MP Vijay Inder Singla while inaugurating the Sangrur railway station ‘Adarsh’ facilities informed that modernization of the station has been carried out at a cost of Rs 3.15 crores and additional facilities like foot over bridge, new waiting rooms, raising the level of platforms, providing shelter on the platforms and other new passenger amenities have been provided. He further informed that with great efforts he has been able to get most of the Sangrur Lok Sabha railway stations under the ‘Adarsh’ scheme namely, Barnala, Sunam, Tapa, Dhuri, Lehragaga and Malerkotla railway stations and work is in progress at all places.