(MOREPIC1)Vikram Ditya Sharma/ Ferozepur
The long pending demand of the residents of this border district to start a direct train to holy city Haridwar, has finally been fulfilled. The train was flagged off yesterday night amidst devotional chants of “Har Hat Gange”, “Har Har Mahadev” echoing through the cantonment railway station.
Hundreds of people belonging to various religious and social organizations along with BJP leaders including Anumit Singh Sodhi, performed a soulful Ganga Aarti. The enthusiastic devotees arranged refreshments for passengers. Before the train’s departure, traditional rituals including Swastik markings on the engine, flower showers, and a ceremonial tilak and “siropa” for train staff and passengers were conducted.
(SUBHEAD)As per information, the Ferozepur -Haridwar Express comprises 16 coaches — including 1 Second AC, 3 Third AC, 6 Sleeper, 4 General, 1 Generator Car, and 1 Luggage Van and it will run every Wednesday at 10:40 PM during its initial phase.
“Based on public response, the frequency may be increased in the future. The central government is committed to connecting Ferozepur to prominent pilgrimage sites,” said Anumit Sodhi.
It is pertinent to mention here that last Friday, a direct weekly train from Ferozepur to Huzur Sahib in Nanded (Maharashtra) and passing through other important religious places including Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur, , had been started.
Rajkumar, a resident of the cantonment area, who was traveling to Haridwar with his family, expressed joy over the launch. “As soon as I heard about this new train, I booked our tickets. Moreover , in future also, we will be able to reach our religious place Haridwar, whenever we want” he said while praising the government for this initiative.
Sushil Gupta, Gagandeep Aggarwal, Kailash Sharma, Pandit Karan Tripathi, Harish Goel representatives of various religious groups, said that today marks a new era of connectivity between Ferozepur and major pilgrimage hubs.
