Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP from Sri Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, on Wednesday met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and strongly reiterated the long-pending demand for declaring the Banga-Garhshankar-Sri Anandpur Sahib-Naina Devi road as a National Highway. During the meeting, Kang discussed the strategic, religious and economic importance of the road and appealed to the central government to expedite the project.
Big statement by Malvinder Singh Kang
Kang said the proposed national highway is not just a road infrastructure project, but a lifeline for millions of people in the region. He explained that the road connects Sri Anandpur Sahib, one of the holiest sites in Sikhism, where Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa Panth in 1699, with the Mata Naina Devi temple in Himachal Pradesh. Millions of devotees, devotees, and tourists travel this route every year.
The AAP MP further said that this road not only connects Punjab with Himachal Pradesh but also serves thousands of daily commuters, farmers, traders, and transporters. Granting it National Highway status will significantly improve connectivity, make travel safer and more accessible, boost religious tourism, strengthen trade and business, and accelerate economic development in the entire region.
Kang stated that despite previous approvals and announcements (including the foundation stone laying ceremony in 2019), the project has not made any meaningful progress in recent years. He appealed to the central government to fulfill its commitment by declaring the route a National Highway and bringing it under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for timely development and maintenance.
Expressing satisfaction with the meeting, Kang said that Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had given positive assurances and acknowledged the importance of this long-pending demand. He expressed hope that the central government would take concrete steps to move the project forward as soon as possible.
Reiterating his commitment to the people of the Sri Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha constituency, Kang said he would continue to raise the issue until the region receives the modern road infrastructure it deserves. “Better connectivity is the foundation of development, and I will continue to raise the voice of the people until this important demand is met,” he said.