Union Minister Ravneet Singh Announces Historic Rail Link to Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Connecting All Five Takhts

Bathinda: In a major boost to religious and regional connectivity, Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu announced the sanctioning of a historic railway link to Talwandi Sabo, home to the revered Takht Sri Damdama Sahib. With this development, all five Takhts of Sikhism will now be connected via rail network.

Calling it a “historic milestone,” the minister stated that the project goes beyond infrastructure, symbolizing faith, pride, and long-pending aspirations of the people of Punjab.

The Raman Mandi–Sadda Singhwala New Broad Gauge Rail Line Project, part of the Mansa–Bathinda Doubling Project, will span 42.9 km at an estimated cost of ₹1,118.47 crore. The rail line will pass through Mansa district and Bathinda district, significantly improving transportation and boosting regional development.

The project will require 192.42 hectares of land and include six stations—two existing and four new ones: Laleana, Talwandi Sabo, Jaga Ram Tirath, and Kamalu Sawaich, along with a junction cabin at Kamalu Sawaich.

Designed as a level crossing-free route, the rail link will feature two major bridges, one additional major bridge component, 56 minor bridges, and 55 road under bridges (RUBs). It will also be equipped with 2×25 KV electric traction and the advanced MACLS-III signalling system.

During his address, the minister criticized previous governments, including Congress, AAP, and the Shiromani Akali Dal, for allegedly neglecting infrastructure development and Sikh heritage. He credited the leadership of Narendra Modi for taking concrete steps to fulfill long-standing demands and strengthen religious connectivity.

Additionally, he informed that the redevelopment of Bathinda Railway Station, estimated at ₹100 crore, is expected to receive approval soon.