New Delhi/Sirsa, March 17
Sirsa MP and former Union Minister Kumari Selja raised several important railway issues related to her constituency during the discussion on the Railway Budget in the Lok Sabha. Initiating the debate on behalf of the Congress, she emphasized the need for better rail connectivity, introduction of new trains, and improved passenger facilities in Sirsa and surrounding areas. She said that people of the region have long been demanding a stronger railway infrastructure and urged the central government to take prompt action.
Selja suggested that once the Sirsa–Hisar–Hansi–Meham–Rohtak–Delhi rail line is completed, a new Intercity Express service should be introduced between Sirsa and Delhi to provide faster and direct connectivity. She also demanded the extension of the Jodhpur–Hisar Express (14891/92) up to Sirsa and Bathinda. Stressing the need for better connectivity with Chandigarh, she proposed extending the Chandigarh–Hisar rail service to Sirsa and starting a new direct train between Sirsa and Chandigarh via Ambala.
Selja further demanded an increase in the number of trains between Sirsa and Delhi and proposed extending the Kalindi Express from Prayagraj to Sirsa. She also suggested running the proposed Vande Bharat train on the Bathinda–Delhi route via Sirsa–Hisar–Hansi–Meham–Rohtak. Additionally, she called for extending major trains like the Hanumangarh–Delhi Intercity and the Dadar–Bhagat Ki Kothi Express to this region.
Selja also raised the demand for halts of major trains at Bhattu railway station in Fatehabad district and Ding Mandi station in Sirsa. She urged the restart of the Firozpur–Mumbai Janata Express. For passenger convenience, she highlighted the need for complete modernization of Sirsa railway station, including escalators, lifts, modern waiting halls, clean toilets, digital display boards, better facilities for differently-abled persons and senior citizens, CCTV surveillance, and increased deployment of Railway Protection Force.
Selja stressed the need to improve basic amenities such as toilets, drinking water, sheds, seating arrangements, and lighting at smaller stations like Kalanwali, Rania, Dabwali, Ellenabad, and Baragudha. She also demanded stronger security arrangements on trains running between Baragudha and Bathinda.
Selja suggested early commencement of work on the new Sirsa–Hisar rail line project (via Fatehabad–Agroha) and establishment of a modern freight terminal in Sirsa for the benefit of farmers and traders. She also raised local issues such as reopening the closed passage at Kalanwali station, restoring the old timings of the Bathinda–Delhi Kisan Express, temporarily opening old railway crossings for small vehicles, and developing an alternative route near the Sirsa railway goods yard.
Selja urged early construction of the approved railway overbridges and underpasses to reduce traffic congestion. Kumari Selja expressed hope that the Railway Ministry would seriously consider these demands and prioritize the development of the Sirsa region.
