'PROTEST IF VANDE BHARAT DOESN'T STOP AT BARNALA'

AAP leader's announcement comes amid growing unhappiness in Malwa region over the train's route.

- TARUNI GANDHI

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP from Sangrur, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, has warned that he will lead a protest along with residents of Barnala if the newly launched Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express is not given a halt at the Barnala railway station by December 1. The announcement comes amid growing resentment in Punjab's Malwa region over the train's route, which leaves out several key stations despite earlier assurances from the Centre.

The Vande Bharat Express, flagged off virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, was initially promoted as a service benefiting Punjab's border and central districts. However, the train currently runs through Faridkot, Bathinda, Dhuri, and Patiala before entering Ambala in Haryana, leaving out Barnala, Moga, and Mansa - districts with significant passenger traffic toward Delhi.