Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Tuesday spoke with the Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal to pursue the state’s demand for a regular Express Train service, named Prakash Purb Express, from New Delhi to Amritsar via Sultanpur Lodhi, to facilitate pilgrims to pay obeisance during the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev.
The Chief Minister also pressed for special train services for Sultanpur Lodhi from New Delhi during the period from October 1 to November 30, 2019, to ensure proper connectivity and ease of travel to the pilgrims.
He also sought an upgradation of the existing Railway Station at Sultanpur Lodhi to a world-class railway stations, in view of the importance of the town to the historic celebrations.
Pointing out that Guru Nanak Dev’s 550th birth anniversary was being observed in November 2019, Capt Amarinder referred to the letter he had written to the Minister earlier this month, saying that the State Government had already launched year-long celebrations on November 23, 2018, at Sultanpur Lodhi.
The city has immense historical and religious importance, he noted, adding that it was in the holy bein, that passes through the city, that Guru Nanak Devji attained enlightenment.
Sultanpur Lodhi was expected to be the first halt for pilgrims from across the world to pay homage to the great guru, said Capt Amarinder.
“Elaborate arrangements are being put in place for boarding and lodging of the devotees who would throng the city. The city is fortunately well connected through road and rail network. However, regulated transportation of commuters is required as huge crowds are expected to descend in the month of November 2019,” he added.
Citing the importance of the event, the Chief Minister pointed out that the Punjab Government had formed a State Committee to map out and implement various programmes and projects to commemorate the historic occasion.
The Central Government had also constituted a National Committee to commemorate the event, he noted, urging the Minister to issue the necessary instructions to ensure that the services and facilities sought by the state are provided at the earliest.