Kumari Selja Seeks Bhuna Bypass, Restoration of Fatehabad Train Services

The Sirsa MP has written to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, citing traffic risks in Bhuna and difficulties faced by rural passengers following the discontinuation of train services.

Congress leader and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja has raised two public-interest issues concerning her parliamentary constituency, urging the Haryana government to initiate action on a proposed bypass for Bhuna and the Union Railway Ministry to restore discontinued passenger train services and station facilities in parts of Fatehabad district.

In letters dated October 4, Selja wrote to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini about traffic congestion and road-safety concerns in Bhuna. In a separate communication to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, she sought the restoration of passenger services affecting villages including Pirthala and Laloda, along with the reinstatement of certain express-train stoppages and improvements to station infrastructure.

Selja Seeks Bypass to Ease Bhuna Traffic

In her letter to the chief minister, Selja described Bhuna as an important trade and transportation centre connected to major routes, including State Highway 2 and National Highway 52. She said heavy and commercial vehicles passing through the town, particularly its main market area, were contributing to traffic congestion, increasing the risk of accidents and adding to pollution.

These conditions can create difficulties for traders, shoppers, residents and other road users. Selja urged the state government to accord priority to bypass construction and asked the concerned department to begin a feasibility assessment, necessary surveys and preliminary work without delay.

A bypass could help divert through-traffic away from crowded sections of Bhuna, subject to technical studies, route planning, land requirements and statutory procedures. The letter seeks early government intervention, but the information provided does not establish that construction has been approved or that a project timeline has been announced.

Demand to Restore Fatehabad Passenger Trains

In her letter to the railway minister, Selja focused on transport difficulties faced by residents of Pirthala, Laloda and neighbouring villages in Fatehabad district. She referred to an earlier letter dated July 31, 2024, and renewed her request for the restoration of discontinued passenger services numbered 54635, 54636, 54603 and 54604.

She also called for the restoration of the previously available stoppages of express trains 14653 and 14654. In addition, she sought express-train stoppages at Jamalpur Sheikhan station and necessary passenger-train halts at Pirthala and Laloda stations. Her requests also include platform shelters to protect passengers from the sun and rain while waiting for trains.

Rail connectivity can be important for rural residents travelling to educational institutions, markets, workplaces and essential services. Students, farmers, traders, women, older people and daily commuters may face additional inconvenience when suitable train services or convenient stoppages are unavailable.

Restoring the requested services and halts, if found operationally feasible and approved by railway authorities, could improve travel options for residents in the affected areas. The railway ministry would need to examine scheduling, passenger demand and other operational requirements. The information provided does not confirm a restoration decision or implementation date.

Two Public Issues Await Official Action

The requests concerning Bhuna and Fatehabad address different infrastructure needs but share a common objective: improving public convenience and addressing problems experienced by residents. In Bhuna, the focus is on managing heavy-vehicle movement and reducing pressure on roads through the town. In affected villages, the priority is dependable passenger services and better basic facilities at railway platforms.

The state government would need to examine the proposed bypass, while railway authorities would have to consider the requested train restorations, stoppages and platform shelters. Feasibility assessments, departmental reviews and formal decisions would determine whether and when the proposals move forward.

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Congress general secretary and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja has expressed concern over police action against journalists in Haryana, questioning whether press freedom is being undermined alongside democratic institutions.

Selja alleged that the government had failed to take effective action against the drug trade while journalists attempting to bring the issue to public attention were facing police action. She said freedom of the press, freedom of expression and the independence of constitutional institutions were essential to a functioning democracy.

She argued that criticism of the government and the raising of public-interest questions should not be treated as crimes. Selja called on the government to make the legal basis for action against journalists public and said those in custody should be released if there was no lawful basis for their detention.

Selja reiterated that tackling drug trafficking should be a government priority rather than action against voices raising questions. These are Selja’s allegations and demands; the information provided does not include an official response from the Haryana government or police.