New Delhi: In a major relief for Sikh devotees and pilgrims from Uttarakhand, the Central Government has announced a direct weekly train service between Tanakpur in Uttarakhand and Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded in Maharashtra.
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu announced the development on social media, saying the long-pending demand of the Sikh community has finally been fulfilled.
Bittu said the decision was taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with the efforts of the Ministry of Railways to improve connectivity for the Sikh and Punjabi community living in Uttarakhand’s Terai region.
According to the minister, the Nanded–Tanakpur Weekly Express will be flagged off on July 6, providing a direct rail link between Tanakpur and Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, one of Sikhism’s five Takhts.
He described the new service as a tribute to the faith and long-standing aspirations of the Sikh community.
The direct train is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Uttarakhand and Nanded, eliminating the need for multiple train changes and long road journeys that pilgrims previously had to undertake while travelling to the holy shrine.
