Mumbai/Amritsar — Bhai Jaspal Singh Sidhu, Head of the 11-member Coordination Committee of the Maharashtra Sikh Community, stated that today marks a historic day for the Sikh Panth with two landmark decisions of the Maharashtra Government. Along with the inauguration of the Nanded–Mumbai Vande Bharat Express by Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, the long-pending documentary reforms for the Banjara, Labana, and Sikligar Sikh communities under the Vimukta Jati category have also been approved by the Cabinet.He said this is not just a step of development, but a milestone towards equality and justice, and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Fadnavis and the Maharashtra Government for fulfilling these commitments.
Bhai Jaspal Singh Sidhu further said that under the guidance and contribution of Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa, Head of Damdami Taksal and President of the Sant Samaj, and especially due to the firm resolve of Chief Minister Fadnavis, this historic moment has been made possible.
He pointed out that the two central demands raised by the community —
The start of Vande Bharat rail service from Mumbai to Nanded Sahib, and
Documentary reforms for the Banjara, Labana, and Sikligar Sikh communities —have now been fulfilled.
Impact of the Cabinet’s Decision
With this Cabinet approval, the long-pending reforms regarding caste/documentary certificates for the Sikh Banjara, Labana, and Sikligar communities have been cleared. This will ensure easier access to education, housing, employment, and welfare schemes for these communities.
Nanded–Mumbai Vande Bharat Express
Speaking on the inauguration of the train, Bhai Sidhu said that on September 29, 2024, during the Vashi CIDCO event, Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa had raised the demand for a Vande Bharat train from Mumbai to Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded. The same demand was confirmed in a memorandum sent to the Railway Minister on October 11, 2024. Today, that demand has become a reality.
This train service will not only make the journey faster, more comfortable, and safer, but will also strengthen the spiritual, cultural, and economic bond of lakhs of devotees with Takht Sri Hazur Sahib.
Chief Minister Fadnavis flagged off the train virtually through video conferencing from the State Secretariat in Mumbai, while a formal ceremony was held at Nanded Railway Station.
The Nanded–Mumbai journey time will now be reduced by nearly 2 hours compared to other trains. On its maiden special departure, the flower-decorated train left Hazur Sahib Nanded at 11:20 am and arrived in Mumbai at 9:55 pm.