CM may inaugurate Shaheed Nand Singh Chowk

Sukhmeet Bhasin

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, September 21

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and senior Army officials are expected to inaugurate newly renovated Shaheed Nand Singh Chowk, which is popularly known as Fauji Chowk, in the city on September 24.

Although, no official announcement has been made yet, officials of the administration have claimed about their visit.

SSP Dr Nanak Singh and Army officers have visited the chowk to see the ongoing renovation work. A meeting was also held regarding the function. Workers have been told to complete the renovation work before September 24.

The chowk has been beautified and renovated by the Army. Even two anti-aircraft guns have been installed at the chowk near the statue of Shaheed Nand Singh.

These guns were used during the war in 1971. Their range is up to three km.

Naib Subedar Nand Singh had bravely fought with the Japanese in the Burma war before India’s independence and this brave soldier of the Sikh regiment was honoured with Victoria Cross. Later, in 1947, he took upon enemies at Srinagar, but died while fighting after a bullet hit him.

For his bravery, he was honoured Maha Vir Chakra. Later, a statue was installed in the city in his remembrance.

For the past many years, various organisations have been demanding beautification of the chowk.

SSP Dr Nanak Singh said the Indian Army was organising the inauguration function for Shaheed Nand Singh chowk.

He has stated that as the spot is in the heart of the city and witnesses heavy traffic during the day, they have decided to divert the traffic to other roads till 2 pm on September 24 so that people don’t face any problem.

The traffic coming from the Mansa side, which has to go to Dabwali, Malout, Badal, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Faridkot and Barnala would go towards ITI Chowk to engineering college, then Ring Road and Kanhaiya Chowk.

The traffic coming from the Goniana side, which has to go towards Mansa, Dabwali, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Badal would towards Ring Road from Kanhaiya Chowk and would not enter the city.

Traffic going towards Barnala and Rampura would go from ITI Chowk to Model Town, 100-ft road, Bibiwala road and North Estate.

Traffic coming to the city from Goniana and Rampura would enter from the Rose Garden side and move towards the Improvement Trust or Mann petrol pump and then enter the city.