Commuters seek double rail track between Amritsar-Pathankot

AMRITSAR: In the backof attack by terrorist from Pakistan in Gurdaspur, who also wanted to target railway line linking Amritsar-Pathankot-Jammu, daily passengers travelling on the same route have demanded doubling of the track between the two stations.

Passengers rejoice in the Amritsar-Katra train which chugged off from the Amritsar railway station on its maiden journey on Monday. Photo: Vishal Kumar

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, September 21

In the backdrop of attack by terrorist from Pakistan in Gurdaspur, who also wanted to target railway line linking Amritsar-Pathankot-Jammu, daily passengers travelling on the same route have demanded doubling of the track between the two stations.

A daily passenger, Dr Lalit Kumar ,in a communiqué to Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu along with others has sought consolidation of railway infrastructure from the defence point of view.

Besides, railway passengers face umpteen troubles daily, which largely remain unheard. Dr Lalit said, “We are mostly dependent on Ravi Express (14633) and DMUs to reach our destination. However, we face a number of problems and difficulties to board trains. Many of these problems have been brought to the notice of authorities concerned by SMS or telephonically.”

Another daily passenger Harbir Singh said it was a welcome move of the Railways to start a new train from Amritsar-Katra and Katra-Amritsar on alternative days on the same track. He said, “However, daily passengers on the route are unable to board this train. The new train should halt at Batala. General compartments should be made available for common passengers in this train.”

Timing of the train should be re-scheduled he said adding that it should be in the early morning, so that they could reach Katra in the noon.

Meanwhile, Amritsar-Katra train chugged out from Amritsar railway station at 8 am today. Its inaugural run had been delayed by hours yesterday due to the rail traffic blockade by dera followers in various parts of the state.

Tourism and travel experts are of the view that the train would offer convenient travel to passengers coming to the holy city to visit the cave shrine of Vaishno Devi and other stations in Jammu and Kashmir.