Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, August 4

Jalandhar MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary met Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and raised the matter of construction of approach road and renovation works at Gandhi Dham, Phillaur.

He told the minister that the Congress government in the state had sanctioned Rs 2.30 crore for this work to be done by Block Panchayat Samiti Phillaur, but since the land of Gandhi Dham was in the name of Indian Railways, the permission from Railways was necessary to undertake the works.

Highlighting the importance of the place, MP Chaudhary said Gandhi Dham is a place having significant historic value as the ashes of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi were immersed there in Sutlej on February 12, 1948. “Every year, official functions are organised on February 12 and October 2 at Gandhi Dham and dignitaries and local people come to the memorial to pay their tributes to Mahatma Gandhi,” he added.

Chaudhary Santokh Singh further stated that several years ago, the highway leading to the memorial was diverted and therefore, the approach road is in a dilapidated condition now. Moreover, the present condition of the memorial is in a shambles and requires renovation. Therefore, to maintain its dignity, it is vital that the memorial is renovated and the approach road is reconstructed.

“I have requested Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to grant the permission for constructing the road and undertaking the renovation works at the earliest so that we can honour the memory and legacy of the Mahatma in a befitting manner,” he said.