The lack of a stop in Barnala for the new Vande Bharat Express train, launched by the Railway Department from Ferozepur Cantt to New Delhi via Bathinda-Dhuri, has caused widespread resentment in the city and surrounding areas. Local residents and organization officials view this as a neglect of Barnala’s passenger amenities. According to the Railway Department, the train will depart from Ferozepur Cantt at 7:55 am and arrive at New Delhi station at 2:35 pm. On its return journey, it will depart from New Delhi at 4:00 pm and arrive at Ferozepur Cantt at 10:35 pm.
On the way, the train will stop only at Faridkot, Bathinda, Dhuri, Patiala, Ambala, Kurukshetra, and Panipat. After Bathinda, the train will stop directly at Dhuri. The lack of a stop in Barnala has disappointed locals and merchants. Arora Vansh Sabha President Harish Sindhwani said that the people of Barnala travel regularly to Delhi and other cities and the lack of a train stoppage is a major inconvenience for them. Rotary Club President Krishna Goyal said that this train is important for the health, education and business needs of the city residents. Barnala Welfare Club President Pramod Arora said that especially the elderly, students and business travelers will not be able to benefit from this train. Lions Club President Umesh Bansal and Lions Club Supreme President Ashok Kumar also appealed to the Railway Minister and the MP to ensure a train stoppage in Barnala as soon as possible.
In addition, S.D. Shiv Singla, General Secretary of the Sabha, Pradeep Singla, President of the Sabji Mandi Association, Jimmy Mittal, President of the Shri Mahashakti Kala Manch, Sumit Jodhpuriya, President of the Utensils Association, Anil Dutt Sharma, President of the Brahmin Sabha, Happy Kumar, President of the Shri Shirdi Sai Charitable Trust, Sitaram, President of the Aastha Residents Welfare Society, Vijay Garg, President of the Industry Chamber, Raju Kansal, President of the Geeta Bhawan Trust, Darshan Singh Nainwalia, President of the Arhatiya Association, Sanjeev Shali, District President of the Shailer Association, and Ajaib Singh Javandha, Local President, also joined the demand and expressed their concern. Together, the organizations appealed to the Railway Minister and MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer to provide a stoppage for the new Vande Mataram train in Barnala. They stated that this would facilitate travel for local residents and alleviate resentment among the city’s residents. Locals stated that ensuring a stoppage in Barnala would enable students, senior citizens, and business travelers to reach their destinations on time, improving the economic and social activities of the city. Social and business organisations of Barnala believe that the Railway Department should immediately address the issue and not ignore the needs of the people.
