Controversy over Patti-Makhu rail link

The proposed Patti-Makhu rail link to connect Amritsar and Ferozepur via rail has become an object of controversy among political leaders and workers. The cost of land acquisition is being said to be about Rs 40 crore whereas sources said it would be around Rs 300 crore in reality.

The rail link has become a popular demand of people of two border districts.

Officials associated with the project said the NDA government and its leaders were wrongly projecting the cost of the land acquisition between the Patti and Makhu stretch to be Rs 40 crore.

Amritsar Vikas Manch (AVM) president Kulwant Singh Ankhi said, “Whatever the cost of land acquisition may be, it is the duty of the state government to acquire it as soon as possible to complete the project. After all, connectivity is the engine of growth.”