Shwait Malik meets Railway Minister over Rigo bridge
Former Member of Parliament and former Mayor Shwait Malik met Union Railway Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu to seek early completion of the ongoing construction of the Rigo railway bridge, a key infrastructure project aimed at easing traffic congestion for residents of Amritsar. During the meeting, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Ferozepur Division, Sanjeev Kumar, assured that the bridge would be completed before October 2026.
Shwait Malik stated that he had earlier raised the demand in parliament for the construction of new bridges at the dilapidated Bhandari railway bridge and the Rigo railway bridge, which was accepted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the Bhandari bridge has already been completed, while Amritsar will receive the "gift" of Rigo Bridge in the New Year of 2026. Thanking Bittu, Malik said the Rigo bridge is being widened into a four-lane structure with underground electrical wiring, modern lighting and a proper rainwater drainage system, which will reduce traffic congestion in the city.
He further stated that after the construction of Chheharta railway station at a cost of Rs 70 crore, redevelopment work at Manawala railway station is also underway. Malik added that a new railway line from Delhi to Amritsar via Ambala has been approved, which will bring several new trains to the holy city. Shwait Malik said that passenger facilities at Amritsar railway station will be further upgraded with the construction of new platforms and installation of escalators on every platform. New modern buildings will also be constructed at Civil Lines and Gol Bagh railway stations, along with separate toilets for persons with disabilities and a 100-bed rest house for railway drivers and guards.
He recalled that on his earlier demands, the Modi government had transformed Amritsar railway station into a world-class facility by adding two new platforms, granite flooring, air-conditioned waiting halls, retiring rooms, parcel rooms and rest houses for economically weaker passengers. Facilities such as free Wi-Fi, five lifts, two escalators, LED lighting and improved parking have also been provided.
