Sikh community welcomes new train to Amritsar

NAGPUR: The Sikh community in the city has welcomed the introduction of a new train between Nagpur and Amritsar. This addition is significant for the community as till now there is only one train that connects the two regions.
There is a significant presence of the community in the city and a direct train connecting Nagpur to their roots and their holy city has brought much joy to them."It is really great news and I am sure each one of us is very happy," said Jaspal Singh Saluja.
The demand for a direct train to Amritsar had been a long standing one. "We have been wanting it for long and this year we, the Nagpur Sikh Sangat, met Nitin Gadkari with this request. I am happy that he considered it and realized our dreams," said Balbir Singh Renu.
As of now, people had to either travel about 35 long hours to reach Amritsar directly or change trains at New Delhi to get there. Many a time, all this would prove too troublesome, especially for the elderly. "Changing trains at New Delhi is very tiresome. And it becomes even more difficult after a long journey up till there, especially for elders in the family. So this is a really good thing to have happened," said Swaranjeet Kaur Arora.
Understandably, Amritsar has a great emotional connect with the Sikh community and that is why the demand for a train was so strong. Arora said, "It is a matter of great joy and celebration for us. Now, the road to heaven (Golden Temple) has also become like heaven."
Agreeing with her was Parshan Singh Kalsi, who said, "The city of Amritsar with the Golden Temple has a special place in our hearts. And now the demand for a direct train was considered by Gadkari and it is indeed a very happy and emotional thing for us."
Another factor was the wish to be connected to one's roots. "Most of us have relatives staying in Punjab. Now, this train will help us to be in touch with them even more easily," said Charanjeet Kaur Gandhi. Agreeing with her, was Saluja who added, "Most of us can go to our native places only during vacations and that time it is nearly impossible to get reservation. The introduction of a new train might take the load off a bit."
In a characteristically Punjabi way Gandhi added, "Now, the train should just start soon and everything will be 'balle balle'."