Dhaliwal Meets Union Minister Ravneet Bittu, Advocates Rail Connectivity for Ajnala-Ballaharwal Border Region
–Proposes Renovation and Renaming of Ramdas Railway Station After Baba Budha Sahib Ji
–Union Minister Promises Overhaul of Ramdas Station Within 6 Months, Approves Rail Link for Ajnala-Ballaharwal Border Region
Chandigarh/New Delhi, September 10:
Punjab NRI Minister, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, met with Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, to address the lack of rail connectivity in the Ajnala-Ballaharwal border area. Dhaliwal urged the Minister to personally intervene and link this region to the broader Indian railway network, citing the public benefit it would bring.
Dhaliwal also proposed the renaming of Ramdas (RDS) railway station after Baba Budha Sahib Ji, the first revered head priest of the Golden Temple, Amritsar. He advocated for a complete reconstruction of the station, including an elevated platform with essential amenities such as drinking water, passenger shelters, lights, and fans.
Additionally, Dhaliwal called for an increase in train services at Ramdas station, from the current four pairs of trains to at least six, to meet the growing demand from residents of the Amritsar district. He also requested extending trains that currently terminate at Verka to continue to Amritsar or beyond.
In his official demand letter, Dhaliwal emphasized the historical significance of Ramdas station, which dates back to before India’s partition. He highlighted the lack of adequate infrastructure, including a proper platform, and the need for improved rail services toward Kartarpur Sahib Corridor from Amritsar.
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Regarding Ajnala’s connectivity, Dhaliwal pointed out the region’s underdeveloped status due to poor road infrastructure and isolation. He stressed that the local population relies heavily on Amritsar for their daily needs, and the absence of reliable transport options creates significant hardships.
Dhaliwal proposed extending the existing rail service between Amritsar and Dera Baba Nanak to Balharwal, a former major trading hub connected by rail before partition, to benefit Ajnala area residents.
Highlighting Amritsar’s role as a medical, educational, and employment hub, Dhaliwal argued that enhanced rail connectivity would benefit a wide range of people, including patients, workers, students, and the general public.
He added that the proposed rail link would not only serve the local community but also boost religious tourism. The region is home to significant religious sites, including the Joti-Jot place of Baba Budha Sahib Ji and Gurdwara Baba Gamchuk Ji in Balharwal, which attract pilgrims from across the country.
During the meeting, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu assured that Ramdas railway station would undergo a facelift within six months and would be renamed after Baba Budha Sahib Ji. He also granted approval for connecting the Ajnala-Balharwal border area to the Sri Amritsar Sahib rail route, promising swift action on the matter.
