In response to the fervent appeals from pilgrims visiting Gurdwara Sri Patna Sahib, the Railway Board has officially approved the inclusion of a stoppage for the 12317/12318 Amritsar-Kolkata Akal Takht Express at Phagwara railway station. The development is set to take effect from January 15, as announced by the Union Minister of State Som Parkash and former Union Minister Vijay Sampla in separate press statements on Sunday.
The decision comes as a significant relief for devotees traveling to and from Gurdwara Sri Patna Sahib, with the stoppage in Phagwara enhancing accessibility and convenience. The revised schedule indicates that the Akal Takht Express will commence its journey from Amritsar, arriving at Phagwara at 7:26 am, making a brief stop until 7:27 am. On its route from Kolkata to Amritsar, the train will reach Phagwara at 3:07 pm, departing at 3:08 pm.
The strategic stop at Phagwara holds paramount importance, not only for the local residents but also for pilgrims heading to key destinations such as Varanasi Kashi and Patna Sahib.
The inaugural halt at Phagwara is anticipated to be marked by a warm welcome from numerous devotees. A reception committee is gearing up to greet the Akal Takht Express during its first stop at Phagwara on Monday afternoon. The inclusion of Phagwara as a stoppage reflects the railway authorities’ responsiveness to the demands of the community and their commitment to enhancing the travel experience for passengers, especially those on religious journeys.