Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament from Sri Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, on Wednesday met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and strongly reiterated the long-pending demand to declare the Banga–Garhshankar–Sri Anandpur Sahib–Naina Devi Road as a National Highway. During the meeting, Kang discussed the strategic, religious and economic importance of the road and urged the Union Government to expedite the project.
DON'T MISS
Kang said that the proposed National Highway is not merely a road infrastructure project but a lifeline for lakhs of people across the region. He pointed out that the road connects Sri Anandpur Sahib, one of Sikhism’s holiest pilgrimage sites where Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded the Khalsa Panth in 1699, with Mata Naina Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh. Every year, lakhs of pilgrims, devotees and tourists travel on this route.
The AAP MP further stated that the road also serves thousands of daily commuters, farmers, traders and transporters while connecting Punjab with Himachal Pradesh. Upgrading it to National Highway status would greatly improve connectivity, facilitate safer and smoother transportation, boost religious tourism, strengthen trade and commerce, and accelerate economic development across the region.
Kang noted that despite earlier approvals and announcements, including the foundation stone laid in 2019, the project has witnessed no meaningful progress over the years. He urged the Union Government to fulfil its commitment by declaring the route a National Highway and bringing it under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for its timely development and maintenance.
Expressing satisfaction over the meeting, Kang said that Union Minister Nitin Gadkari gave a positive assurance and acknowledged the importance of the long-pending demand. He expressed hope that the Centre would take concrete steps to move the project forward at the earliest.
Reaffirming his commitment to the people of the Sri Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha constituency, Kang said he would continue to pursue the matter until the region receives the modern road infrastructure it rightfully deserves. “Better connectivity is the foundation of development, and I will continue raising the voice of the people until this crucial demand is fulfilled,” he said.
