Activists urge Railways to run trains on Patna Sahib routes

Local activists and an NGO have urged the Union Railway Ministry to introduce Vande Bharat sleeper trains on the Amritsar-Nanded (Hazoor Sahib) and Amritsar-Patna Sahib railway routes to cater to the large number of devotees travelling to these revered Sikh shrines.

In a detailed letter to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Amritsar Vikas Manch (AVM) patron Principal Kulwant Singh Ankhi, president Surinderjit Singh and general secretary Yogesh Kamra highlighted that both routes hold exceptional religious and cultural importance for the Sikh community. They said that every year, thousands of devotees from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi and other states undertake long journeys to visit Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra, where the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, attained eternal rest and Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Bihar, his birthplace.

Surinderjit Singh stated that the current travel options on these routes are limited in terms of comfort, speed and safety, especially for elderly pilgrims and families undertaking long-distance journeys. They stressed that the Vande Bharat sleeper version, recently introduced on select routes, offers modern facilities such as high-speed travel, advanced safety systems, better sleeping arrangements, clean restrooms and a smooth riding experience, making it ideal for overnight pilgrimages.

The letter also commended the Modi government’s push for modernising the Indian Railways and described the Vande Bharat trains as a “symbol of India’s technological progress” that has transformed passenger travel nationwide. “Introducing these sleeper trains on religious routes will not only improve convenience for devotees but also boost spiritual tourism, strengthen regional connectivity, and deepen the cultural and historical ties between these sacred destinations,” the letter read.

Calling the proposal a “religious and historical contribution” to the Sikh community, the AVM expressed hope that the Railway Ministry would consider their request on priority. The organisation believes that such a move would align with the government’s broader vision of modern infrastructure while preserving and promoting India’s rich spiritual heritage.

Amritsar