Booking for Panj Takht train begins

Amritsar, Punjab: With the Indian Railways all set to launch Panj Takht train from February 16, a long-pending demand of the Sikh pilgrims has finally been met. The tickets for this 10-day journey could be booked from today either online or in person at Dhuri and Sangrur railway stations. The fare included cost of food, lodging etc.

SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar hailed the move, saying it would be of immense benefit to the devotees, who wish to pay obeisance at all the five Takhts. He said the special train would facilitate comfortable travel, particularly for women, the elderly and children. NS Gabarhia, a local resident, said with the launch of this train, the devotees would find it easier to travel to the Takhts that are located in three different states. Moreover, they will get an opportunity to offer prayers at all five Takhts in a single tour.

The Indian Railways will start Panj Takht Special Train, connecting all the five Takhts of Sikhs, on February 16 at 10 am from the Dhuri railway station, 15 km from here. The Panj Takht train that is to be flagged off from Dhuri on February 16 will connect Sri Akal Takht Sahib (Amritsar), Sri Kesgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib), Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo), Sri Patna Sahib (Patna) in Bihar and Sri Hazoor Sahib (Nanded) in Maharashtra. The train will complete its first journey in Dhuri on February 25.

Source: The Tribune