Fatehabad rail network proposal shelved; MP Selja demands better connectivity

The Fatehabad district will not be connected to the railway network, as the Railway Ministry has rejected the proposal to link the district headquarters to the rail system. Congress MP Kumari Selja from Sirsa Lok Sabha constituency had raised this issue in Parliament, urging the inclusion of Fatehabad-Agroha-Hisar in the railway network.

In response, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, “Hisar and Sirsa are already well-connected through the Indian Railways via Bhattu Kalan.” He added that a survey to link Hisar to Sirsa through Fatehabad and Agroha had been conducted, but due to low traffic projections, the project cannot be pursued further. Consequently, the proposal to connect Fatehabad’s district headquarters to the railway network has been shelved.

For years, the residents of Fatehabad have demanded rail connectivity for their district headquarters. Despite multiple political promises, this demand remains unfulfilled. In 2000, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee announced plans to connect Fatehabad to the railway network during a speech at MM College. Subsequently, former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and former Sirsa MP Ashok Tanwar also made similar promises, but these were never realised.

The ministry’s decision has come as a setback for Fatehabad residents. “The promises of rail whistles in the district have echoed in political announcements, but the reality remains unchanged,” lamented a local resident.

Kumari Selja emphasised the importance of the proposed Fatehabad-Hisar via Agroha Dham railway line, stating, “A survey for this route was conducted 20 years ago, but the situation has changed now. Traffic on this route has increased significantly.” She highlighted Agroha’s historical and cultural significance, noting that it is the largest pilgrimage site for the Agarwal community, attracting visitors from across India and abroad. “Establishing this railway line would benefit pilgrims and improve connectivity to this important site,” she added.

Selja has written to the Union Railway Minister, urging improvements in rail services for her constituency. She has requested the introduction of a new intercity train from New Delhi to Sirsa via Meham, Rohtak, Hansi, and Hisar.