New Delhi/Patiala, Aug 8— Patiala MP Dr. Dharamvira Gandhi met Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, urging diversion of key long-distance train routes through Patiala to boost railway connectivity in Punjab’s Malwa region.
During the meeting, Gandhi proposed rerouting trains currently running on the Rajpura–Khanna–Ludhiana line to instead operate via Rajpura–Dhuri–Ludhiana, which would serve commuters from underserved districts in the Malwa belt.
He also raised the demand for launching either a Jan Shatabdi or Vande Bharat Express from New Delhi to Bathinda, with a stop in Patiala.
“The proposal for the introduction of Jan Shatabdi or Vande Bharat train service from New Delhi to Bathinda via Patiala was also discussed in detail,” Gandhi said after the meeting.
According to the MP, Minister Vaishnaw gave a positive response and assured that the matter would be forwarded to the relevant railway authorities for detailed examination.
“The minister reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the Malwa region receives its due share in terms of enhanced rail facilities and connectivity,” Gandhi added.
The MP emphasized that better rail access through Patiala and Dhuri would significantly improve travel convenience for thousands in southern Punjab, an area often left out of direct rail routes to the national capital.
The proposal comes amid growing demand from local residents and political leaders to integrate Patiala more effectively into the national rail grid, especially via high-speed and premium services.
