Chandigarh, December 17: Following consistent efforts of Shiromani Akali Dal leader and Union Minister of Food Processing industries Harsimrat Kaur, the Union Railway minister of Railways Piyush Goel has given a green signal to the standing demand of Sikh community to start an express train linking all the holy SikhTakhts which would start its holy journey on January 14,2019.
For the Sikh Community, it is double blessing of Almighty, this has become possible in the 55o birth anniversary of Guru Nank Devi. Moreover, this coupled with opening of Kartarpur. “We are ensuring that the Sikhs have ‘darshan of five takhts” and visit holy shrine at Kartar Sahib”, she said adding that the next year would be truly victorious year for the Khalsa.
His has sent a wave of jubilation amongst the Sikh community, especially Sikh diaspora who visit India for short duration and are keen to have a parikarma of all the Takhts. The railways would provide reservation facility for NRIs who can book the tickets in advance, chalk out their program in advance and won’t have to depend on whims of travel agents.
Moreover, old and middle aged especially women can’t bear the ordeal getting seats reserved in different trains months in advance and then shifting from one to another train, she said.
The new train christened “ Panj Takht Express” would start from Delhi Safderjang station and return to Delhi Railway station after ten days touching all the takhts –Hazur Sahib, Nanded on Day 2 and then reach Patna Shahib on day 5 and then arrive at Anandpur Sahib on day 7, from where it would land at Amritsar and finally reach Bathinda on day 9. And Finally , the holy train would carry pilgrims to Delhi.
Thus, the train would be touching all the takhts – Takht Hazur Sahib, Takht Patna Sahib, Takht Keshgarh Sahib , Akal Takht Sahib and Takht Damdma Sahib. It would have overnight stay at Takht Hazur Sahib and Takht Patna Sahib.
Harsimrat Kaur said that she had urged the Railway minister to make the journey comfortable and also affordable. The train would be completely air conditioned and the ticket for the same is just Rs.15,750 .
“Personally, the announcement of launch of the train has given her a great sense of satisfaction as her long cherished dream has been cherished. I am indebted to “ Waheguru” who had been kind enough to grant this facility to the community and followers of Gurus” she said adding that her thanks are also to our Prime Minister Narender Modi who has never turned down our any demand and promptly directed his colleagues to ensure such demands are fulfilled a given time frame.