Bharatiya Janata Party MP Naveen Jindal on Tuesday met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and sought approval for setting up a satellite railway station in Kurukshetra, Haryana. The proposal aims to ease congestion at the existing railway station and improve rail connectivity for pilgrims, students, and daily commuters in the historic city.
During the meeting, Jindal highlighted the growing passenger load in Kurukshetra and stressed the need for infrastructure expansion to meet future demand. According to him, a satellite station would play a crucial role in supporting the city’s development and mobility needs.
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Proposal to ease congestion and improve connectivity
Naveen Jindal said Kurukshetra’s existing railway station faces heavy congestion, especially during peak travel seasons and religious events. As a result, passengers often experience delays and overcrowding.
By proposing a satellite station for Kurukshetra, Jindal aims to decongest the main station and distribute passenger traffic more efficiently. He explained that the additional facility would allow smoother train operations and better passenger management.
Railway officials, he said, could also use the satellite station to regulate long-distance and short-distance services more effectively.
Importance of Kurukshetra as a religious and educational hub
Kurukshetra holds immense religious, historical, and cultural significance. Every year, the city attracts lakhs of pilgrims, tourists, and scholars due to its association with the Mahabharata and major religious events.
In addition, Kurukshetra hosts several educational institutions, including Kurukshetra University. Students and faculty regularly depend on rail connectivity for travel.
Jindal pointed out that these factors have steadily increased passenger footfall. Therefore, the satellite station for Kurukshetra would help cater to this sustained growth.
Discussions with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
During the meeting, Jindal briefed Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw about the infrastructure challenges faced by Kurukshetra’s rail network. He presented data on passenger volumes and future projections.
According to sources, Vaishnaw listened to the proposal and assured that the ministry would examine it seriously. The minister reportedly acknowledged the need to strengthen rail infrastructure in rapidly growing cities.
Jindal later said the discussion was positive and constructive. He expressed confidence that the proposal would receive due consideration.
Potential benefits of a satellite railway station
A satellite station for Kurukshetra could offer multiple benefits. First, it would reduce pressure on the existing station by handling select passenger services.
Second, it could improve punctuality by minimising platform congestion. Trains could arrive and depart more smoothly, especially during peak hours.
Third, the new station could enhance last-mile connectivity if integrated with road transport and local transit systems. This would improve overall travel experience for passengers.
Boost to regional development
Rail infrastructure often acts as a catalyst for regional growth. Jindal said the proposed satellite station would support economic and urban development in Kurukshetra.
Improved connectivity could attract investment, promote tourism, and generate employment. Moreover, better rail access would benefit nearby towns and villages as well.
He added that such projects align with the central government’s vision of modernising railways and strengthening regional connectivity.
Alignment with national rail development goals
The proposal fits within broader national initiatives aimed at upgrading railway infrastructure. The Railways has been focusing on station redevelopment, capacity expansion, and passenger-centric services.
Jindal noted that Haryana has seen steady improvements in rail infrastructure in recent years. However, growing cities like Kurukshetra require additional facilities to keep pace with demand.
Therefore, the satellite station for Kurukshetra could complement ongoing development efforts.
Next steps and expectations
Following the meeting, railway officials are expected to assess the technical feasibility of the proposal. This may include site identification, cost estimates, and traffic studies.
Jindal said he would continue to engage with the Railway Ministry to follow up on the matter. He also indicated that local stakeholders would be consulted during the planning stage.
If approved, the project could significantly improve rail services in Kurukshetra and surrounding areas.
Way forward
As passenger demand continues to rise, infrastructure upgrades become essential. Jindal’s meeting with Vaishnaw underscores the importance of proactive planning in transport development.
The proposed satellite station for Kurukshetra represents a forward-looking solution aimed at easing congestion and enhancing connectivity. Whether the project moves ahead will depend on technical evaluation and policy approval, but the discussion has placed Kurukshetra’s rail needs firmly on the agenda.