Chandigarh, Feb 17: Punjab is set to receive its first Vande Bharat sleeper train next winter, providing a premium travel link between the national capital and Amritsar. Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Bittu declared that the new service will provide enhanced connectivity for passengers in Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar.
During his visit to Ludhiana district, the Minister also addressed local infrastructure needs by launching the construction of a Road Overbridge (ROB) near the Doraha railway station. This bridge is intended to replace a busy level crossing that has long been a bottleneck for traffic. The project is seen as a vital step in improving the link between the Malwa area and Chandigarh.
“Land has been identified at Ladhowal near Ludhiana for a loco-shed,” the Minister affirmed, explaining that the facility is a technical requirement for the new train’s operations. He declared that the introduction of the sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat would cater to the growing demand for comfortable overnight travel.
The ceremony at Doraha was attended by senior Northern Railway representatives and local leaders. They maintained that the bridge project, despite previous delays, will now proceed to enhance commuter safety and reduce travel times.
The Minister asserted that the central government is focused on upgrading railway infrastructure across the state. He also noted that the completion of the Doraha ROB would significantly benefit the local economy by ensuring the uninterrupted movement of goods and passengers across the rail line.
