Press- Release-Letter to Railways Minister

To Dt. 17.6.2009

Smt. Mamta Banerjee

Minister of Railways

Govt. of India.

Subject : Completion of Chandigarh – Ludhiana Rail Link.

Madam,

Now that you are preparing to present the Railway budget for the current financial year, I would on behalf of the Congress Party and people of Punjab fervently appeal for the inclusion of the remaining part of Chandigarh – Ludhiana rail link in the budget.

At present rail traffic eminating from all parts of Punjab to its capital city of Chandigarh are routed through the Ambala Junction, making the journey not only long but also costs the Railway’s dear.

As we are aware the pressure of traffic on roads has grown manifold in the previous years as a result over 3500 human lives are lost due to road accidents in Punjab. Linking Chandigarh to Ludhiana would not only decrease the pressure of vehicles on the roads in Punjab but also go a long way in saving precious human lives lost each year.

The Railways has already completed this Chandigarh – Ludhiana Link uptill Morinda city with an approx distance of 30 kms. The remaining distance from Morinda to Ludhiana is approx 60 kms., if completed it would cut short the travelling distance from western and southern Punjab cities like Amritsar and Bathinda by hours together. Chandigarh being the capital is having the High Court of Punjab and Haryana, health institutions like PGI and being the education centre large number of people commute for official and other work from all parts of the state. Subsequently Shadabadi trains could be started from Amritsar and Bathinda to Chandigarh which would cover a large area of Punjab.

In order to give great relief to the people of Punjab, I would urge that the remaining link of Approx. 60 kms uptill Ludhiana be included in the ensuing Railway budget to be presented in the Parliament shortly. I am sure this work of extreme public importance would find priority in your presentation.

Regards

Sukhpal Singh Khaira

MLA Bholath and Official Spokesperson