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Punjab's Vande Bharat Boost: Barnala Halt Amid 2027 Poll Prep

The Union government has approved a new stop at Barnala for the Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express. This decision is seen as a significant political move ahead of Punjab's 2027 Assembly elections. The halt will primarily benefit travelers from at least six districts in the crucial Malwa region. The approval came after sustained demands from cross-party leaders, including a threatened protest by an AAP MP.

Key Points: Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express Barnala Halt Approved

  • New halt benefits commuters from Barnala, Mansa, Malerkotla, and Sangrur districts
  • Demand was raised by AAP MPs Meet Hayer, Rajender Gupta, and BJP's Kewal Dhillon
  • Minister Bittu links approval to political directive, highlighting economic impact
  • AAP MP Hayer had threatened protest, citing Barnala's central hub status in Malwa region
2 min read

Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express to make halt at Barnala

Union govt approves Barnala stop for Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express, benefiting six Malwa districts ahead of Punjab's 2027 polls.

"My party told me that I should not go to Punjab till the Barnala stoppage... is approved. - Ravneet Singh Bittu, Minister of State for Railways"

New Delhi, Dec 17

In a major political development ahead of the early 2027 Assembly polls in Punjab, the Union government on Wednesday approved the stoppage of the Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express in Barnala town, benefiting at least six districts that fall in the politically sensitive Malwa region.

The stoppage will mainly benefit commuters of Barnala, Mansa, Malerkotla and Sangrur districts.

Justifying the decision, Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu said the demand for the train stoppage had been raised by political leaders across the spectrum.

Bittu said Aam Aadmi Party MPs from Punjab, Meet Hayer and Rajender Gupta and BJP leader Kewal Singh Dhillon had demanded that the Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat train should have a stop at Barnala.

"My party told me that I should not go to Punjab till the Barnala stoppage for the Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat train is approved. I am happy to announce that the approval came today, and the train will stop at Barnala. This will have a positive impact on the economy of Mansa Malerkotla and Sangrur, besides Barnala," Bittu said in a video message posted on X.

Before this announcement, the Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express stopped at Faridkot, Bathinda, Dhuri, Patiala, Ambala Cantonment, Kurukshetra and Panipat.

Earlier, Sangrur AAP MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer had announced a protest at the Barnala railway station if the Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express did not include a halt there by December 1.

After this announcement, Hayer told the media that he had raised the issue in Parliament thrice, as Barnala "is at the hub of Malwa".

"I met Bittu on this and am grateful the Union government has approved the halt. Barnala shares borders with five other districts, making it the reason for higher footfall," he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While improved connectivity is always welcome, it's hard to ignore that this announcement comes just before the 2027 polls. Infrastructure development should be based on genuine need and planning, not political timing. Let's hope the service quality doesn't suffer.
P
Priya S
As someone from Sangrur, this is a big relief! Traveling to Delhi for work will be much easier now. Thank you to all the leaders who pushed for this. Barnala is indeed a central hub. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
R
Rohit P
Good step, but what about improving the basic amenities at Barnala station itself? The platforms need upgrading, and cleanliness is an issue. Hope this approval comes with funds for station development too.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see AAP and BJP leaders on the same page for a local demand. If this kind of cooperation can happen more often for development projects, it would benefit the state immensely. The proof will be in the execution.
K
Kavya N
Bahut badhiya! My family in Mansa will benefit so much. Now we can plan trips to Delhi without the hassle of going to Bathinda first. More Vande Bharat trains across Punjab, please! 🚄

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