Former Member of Parliament and former Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities Tarlochan Singh has urged the Punjab Government to introduce dedicated transport services from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, on the lines of bus services connecting the New Delhi airport with various destinations in Punjab.
Letter to Chief Minister
In a letter addressed to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Singh appreciated the state government’s initiative to facilitate Punjabi travellers arriving at the New Delhi airport. He said the service had provided much-needed relief to members of the Punjabi diaspora and other passengers travelling to Punjab.
Current Situation at Amritsar Airport
Drawing attention to the situation at the Amritsar airport, Singh said a large number of international flights land in the city every day, yet passengers often face inconvenience due to the lack of luxury bus services connecting the airport with major towns and cities across Punjab.
The former MP said he had closely understood the needs of overseas Punjabis, having played a role in securing a direct Air India flight between Amritsar and Vancouver, Canada. According to him, many members of the Punjabi diaspora prefer to arrive directly in Amritsar and often wish to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple before travelling to their destinations.
Role of Punjab Government
Singh said the Punjab Government had an important role to play in ensuring convenient and affordable transportation facilities for international passengers arriving at Amritsar. He added that local NGO Amritsar Vikas Manch had previously taken up the matter with the state government.
Singh urged the Chief Minister to consider extending the same transport facilities available at the Delhi airport to the Amritsar facility and issue necessary directions for their implementation. He said the move would greatly benefit international travellers and strengthen Punjab’s connectivity with its global diaspora.
