Vande Bharat halt at Barnala approved after MP Rajinder Gupta’s push; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Barnala (Punjab), December 17, 2025: In a major boost for Barnala and surrounding regions, Indian Railways has approved a stoppage of the Ferozepur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express (Train Nos. 26461/26462) at Barnala. The long-pending demand has finally been fulfilled, bringing high-speed and premium rail connectivity closer to the people of the area.
The approval comes after sustained efforts by Rajya Sabha Member and Trident Group Chairman Rajinder Gupta, who recently met Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw and strongly advocated for a Vande Bharat halt at Barnala. Gupta highlighted the growing passenger demand from Barnala and nearby districts and stressed the town’s industrial and commercial importance.
Announcing the decision, Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu said that the demand for a Vande Bharat stoppage at Barnala had been raised by leaders across party lines. In a video shared by Bittu, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the Central Government had approved the stoppage at Barnala.
Expressing satisfaction over the decision, MoS Ravneet Singh Bittu said that the long-standing demand of Barnala residents has been met, and the stoppage will allow people of the region to experience the comfort and speed of Vande Bharat services.
Earlier this month, during his meeting with the Railway Minister, Rajinder Gupta had also requested the resumption of the Bathinda–New Delhi Shatabdi Express via Sangrur, underscoring the need for improved rail connectivity for the Malwa region. The Railway Minister had then assured that the demand for the Vande Bharat stoppage was under active consideration, especially as it had also been raised by MoS Ravneet Singh Bittu.
Click the link to read complete news: Rajinder Gupta meets Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnav, discusses halt of Vande Bharat at Barnala and restoration of Bathinda-Delhi Shatabdi
With the approval now granted, residents of Barnala—who have long been demanding a halt for the Vande Bharat—have welcomed the decision, calling it a significant step toward better connectivity and regional development.