Kapurthala rail parts maker halts ops, manufactures boats for flood-hit

Boats prepared by Hanspal Traders of Kapurthala bear the inscription, “Halimiya, hamdardia te muhabbata di kishti” (boat created with compassion and love), a phrase that perfectly embodies the project’s compassionate spirit. Having already manufactured 100 boats for Punjab’s flood victims, the company owner, Pritpal Singh Hanspal, is getting ready for his next endeavour.

He now plans to construct prefabricated homes for those who lost their houses. This will involve consultations with experts and architects to bring the plan to fruition.

Putting his regular business of making rail parts on hold for a week, he and his team of 70 labourers worked tirelessly, over 16 hours a day, to build and deliver 100 boats in just seven days.

“I saw people devastated by the floods, crying out for help, even asking for boats. It broke my heart and I knew I had to step in. Punjab has given us so much. Now, it is our turn to rise up for Punjab.”

He said he was grateful to his labourers, who worked with unwavering dedication throughout the effort. Like him, the workers felt fortunate to be part of a mission that supported those in need. Foremen Jassa Singh, Malkit Singh and others shared that when Pritpal Singh explained the purpose -- to help flood victims -- they felt proud to have been chosen for the task.

Pritpal Singh did not share much about the losses he suffered after putting his own work on hold. “We work all year round. If we can give a few days to those in need and if it helps save lives, then that’s what truly matters,” he said.

Regarding his plan to build prefabricated homes for flood victims, Pritpal Singh said he intended to pursue the idea after consulting with his design team, experts and architects.