Will the Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express Halt in Barnala?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- New train stop approved in Barnala for the Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express.
- Benefits six districts in the Malwa region.
- Political demand from leaders across the spectrum.
- Enhances connectivity for commuters.
- Potential positive economic impact.
New Delhi, Dec 17 (NationPress) In a significant political move as the early 2027 Assembly elections in Punjab approach, the Union government has sanctioned a stop for the Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express in Barnala, which will serve at least six districts within the politically sensitive Malwa region.
This halt primarily benefits commuters from Barnala, Mansa, Malerkotla, and Sangrur districts.
Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu stated that the request for this train stop had been made by political figures from various parties.
Bittu noted that Aam Aadmi Party MPs from Punjab, Meet Hayer and Rajender Gupta, along with BJP leader Kewal Singh Dhillon, had advocated for the Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat train to have a stop at Barnala.
“My party advised me not to visit Punjab until the Barnala stop for the Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat train was authorized. I’m pleased to share that the approval has been granted today, and the train will make a stop in Barnala. This will positively impact the economy of Mansa, Malerkotla, and Sangrur, in addition to Barnala,” Bittu expressed in a video shared on X.
Previously, the Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express had stops in Faridkot, Bathinda, Dhuri, Patiala, Ambala Cantonment, Kurukshetra, and Panipat.
Prior to this announcement, Sangrur AAP MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer had declared a protest at the Barnala railway station if the Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express did not include a halt there by December 1.
Following the announcement, Hayer informed the media that he had raised the matter in Parliament three times, emphasizing that Barnala is “at the hub of Malwa.”
“I met with Bittu regarding this and I appreciate the Union government for approving the halt. Barnala borders five other districts, which contributes to a higher footfall,” he added.