Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament from Sri Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi and submitted three separate representations highlighting long-pending railway infrastructure and public safety issues in Punjab.
Kang also thanked the Union Minister for giving a patient hearing to the concerns of the people of Punjab and assured him of the Punjab Government’s full cooperation in expediting development projects. During the meeting, Kang urged the Railway Minister to approve the construction of a Railway Under Bridge (RUB) at the Nawanshahr railway crossing on the Rahon-Ghakuwal-Kariyam Road in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.
He informed the Minister that the railway crossing remains a major bottleneck for thousands of commuters, farmers, traders, schoolchildren and emergency vehicles, causing severe traffic congestion and prolonged delays. Kang emphasized that the proposed RUB would significantly improve connectivity, reduce traffic pressure on adjoining routes and ensure safer, smoother movement for the public.
Kang requested the construction of an underpass at the railway crossing on Kariyam Road in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district. He pointed out that the railway gate remains closed for nearly eight to ten hours every day, severely affecting daily life in villages including Rahon, Ghakowal, Karyam, Beli, Bara Pind, Bhauwal and Tapprian Bas.
He said the prolonged closure disrupts emergency medical services, daily commuting and agricultural activities, making the construction of an underpass an urgent public necessity. Kang also raised the issue of Railway Crossing C-62 (41-42) at Village Basiala in Garhshankar, Hoshiarpur district.
He appealed to the Railway Minister to ensure immediate deployment of railway staff, make the crossing fully manned and implement all essential safety measures. He noted that with the resumption of rail services and completion of electrification on the section, the unmanned crossing has become a serious safety concern for school buses, emergency vehicles, agricultural machinery and daily commuters.
During the meeting, Malvinder Singh Kang also raised the long-pending demand for railway connectivity to Sri Chamkaur Sahib, the historic land where the Vadde Sahibzadas were martyred. He said that despite its immense historical and religious significance, Sri Chamkaur Sahib remains disconnected from the railway network, and urged the Union Railway Minister to take steps to connect the town by rail.
Kang also highlighted the absence of railway connectivity in Balachaur, an important Assembly constituency under the Sri Anandpur Sahib parliamentary constituency. He requested the Railway Minister to consider extending the rail network to Balachaur as well, stating that improved railway connectivity would boost regional development, tourism, and provide better transport facilities to the people.
Expressing confidence in the Union Railway Minister’s positive approach, Kang said Ashwini Vaishnaw gave a patient hearing to all demands and assured that the concerns would be examined on priority. Kang thanked the Minister for paying attention to Punjab’s railway-related issues and expressed hope that these long-pending public demands would soon receive the necessary approvals.
Kang reiterated that improving railway infrastructure is essential for public safety, regional connectivity and economic development. He said he would continue to raise the concerns of the people of Punjab at every appropriate forum until these important projects are completed.