Jalandhar Member of Parliament Santokh Singh Chaudhary met with the 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 cabinet minister that Captain Amarinder Singh government 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 that Gandhi Dham is a place having significant historic value as the ashes of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi ji were immersed there in the river Satluj on 12 February, 1948. “Every year, official functions are organized on 12 February and October 2 at Gandhi Dham and dignitaries and local people come to the memorial to pay their tributes to Mahatma Gandhi ji,” 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 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 ji 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 Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi ji in a befitting manner,” he said.