Former cricketer and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, Harbhajan Singh, has stepped up efforts to improve rail infrastructure in Punjab. In a significant meeting held on August 11, 2026, with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Singh advocated for enhanced train connectivity for the residents of Hoshiarpur. The proposal focuses on bridging the connectivity gap for commuters traveling to major religious sites and the national capital.
Key highlights of the proposal include:
• Extension of existing train services from Amb Andaura in Himachal Pradesh to Tartoli in Hoshiarpur, Punjab.
• Establishment of direct rail routes connecting Hoshiarpur to Delhi, Haridwar, and Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib.
• Reducing the travel burden for local passengers who currently commute 25 kilometers to reach Amb Andaura station.
Improving Regional Connectivity
Currently, residents of the border district of Hoshiarpur face significant logistical challenges when planning long-distance travel. Because the rail network terminates at Amb Andaura, passengers are frequently forced to travel by road for approximately 25 kilometers just to access the nearest railhead. By extending these lines to Tartoli, the proposed plan aims to integrate the region more effectively into the national rail grid.
Harbhajan Singh emphasized that providing a direct link to spiritual destinations like Haridwar and Nanded (Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib), alongside the national capital, would serve thousands of pilgrims and daily commuters. This development is expected to boost local tourism and simplify travel for those who rely on public transport for interstate journeys.
Next Steps for the Railway Ministry
The proposal is currently under active consideration by the Ministry of Railways. While the request has been formally submitted and discussed at the ministerial level, the final approval, technical feasibility study, and implementation timeline rest with the railway authorities. If sanctioned, this infrastructure project would mark a major upgrade for Hoshiarpur’s connectivity profile, potentially opening up new avenues for trade and pilgrimage travel in the region. Railway enthusiasts and local residents are now awaiting further updates from the ministry regarding the viability of the Tartoli extension.