Train connecting Sikh shrines enters Punjab on maiden journey

PHAGWARA: A new train, connecting important Sikh shrines at Amritsar and Nanded in Maharashtra, was given a grand reception by members of the community as it arrived here on its maiden journey.

The Hazoor Sahib Nanded-Amritsar weekly superfast express had left Nanded on May 15 and reached here late last night on its way to Amritsar.

Railway officials said the train would leave Nanded on Wednesdays on its regular run and reach Amritsar the next day.

On the return leg, Amritsar-HS Nanded will leave Amritsar on Mondays at 2.30 PM and arrive in Nanded the following night.

While Amritsar has the Golden Temple, Nanded in Maharashtra is where the shrine of Hazoor Sahib is situated. Tenth Sikh master Guru Gobind Singh had breathed his last there in 1708.

The train had been flagged off on May 15 by Maharashtra MP Bhaskar Rao Patil Khatgaonkar and Singh Sahib Giani Kulwant Singh, the head of the Hazoor Sahib shrine.

Yesterday, on arrival here, the train was welcomed by MP Santosh Chowdhary along with other public figures.