AI Generated Summary
- At a high-level meeting held at Rail Bhawan on Friday, Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu confirmed that the commemorations will take place under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in collaboration with Sikh institutions across India.
- Indian Railways is set to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, with a series of special initiatives designed to honour his legacy and inspire the younger generation.
- Proposals discussed during the meeting include showcasing Guru Teg Bahadur’s salokas (verses) at railway stations and inside trains, launching special commemorative trains, and installing Punjabi-language signboards at prominent stations in Haryana, Patna, and Hazur Sahib.
Indian Railways is set to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, with a series of special initiatives designed to honour his legacy and inspire the younger generation.
At a high-level meeting held at Rail Bhawan on Friday, Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu confirmed that the commemorations will take place under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in collaboration with Sikh institutions across India.
“This is the first time Rail Bhawan has hosted such a dedicated session to hear suggestions directly from Sikh organisations,” Bittu said. “Indian Railways will implement these ideas with full respect to Guru Teg Bahadur’s enduring contribution.”
Plans for Stations, Trains, and Pilgrimages
Proposals discussed during the meeting include showcasing Guru Teg Bahadur’s salokas (verses) at railway stations and inside trains, launching special commemorative trains, and installing Punjabi-language signboards at prominent stations in Haryana, Patna, and Hazur Sahib.
Other measures under consideration involve serving langar on select trains, enhancing cleanliness on services such as the Sachkhand Express, and upgrading facilities on pilgrimage routes. A special “Five Takhts” train, improved connectivity to Takht Sri Patna Sahib and Hazur Sahib via modern trains like Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat Express, and renaming Delhi Railway Station after the Guru were also proposed.
Infrastructure and Accessibility Upgrades
Suggestions to add stoppages at Karnal and Kurukshetra, as well as improve infrastructure at Patna Sahib Station with lifts and escalators, were brought forward. Enhancements are aimed at ensuring a smoother experience for pilgrims and visitors alike.
Commitment from Railway Leadership
Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar assured Sikh leaders that the proposals would receive due consideration. “The ideas presented today reflect deep respect for Guru Teg Bahadur’s sacrifice and values. We will work to bring these into reality,” Kumar said.
The commemorative programme is expected to unfold over the coming months, blending cultural reverence with modern infrastructure to connect communities and honour the Guru’s legacy on a national scale.
