Former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has urged Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav to establish a direct rail connection to the sacred Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh. In a letter to the Railway Minister, Mahajan proposed extending the railway line from Omkareshwar Road station to the revered pilgrimage site.
Mahajan highlighted the ongoing renovation of Omkareshwar Road station as part of the Mhow and Sanawad gauge conversion project. She emphasized that by creating a new rail route from Omkareshwar Road station to Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, pilgrims would have convenient access, especially during nighttime travel. Mahajan also referred to similar efforts taken to connect Shirdi and the Khatushyam temple directly to railway lines.
The completion of the colossal statue of Aadi Shankaracharya and the construction of ‘Oneness Dham’ on Omkar Parvat in Omkareshwar are expected to significantly increase the flow of pilgrims. Given these developments, Mahajan believes it is crucial to establish a direct connection between Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and the main railway line.
Mahajan’s appeal aims to facilitate smoother travel for devotees visiting the sacred site, ensuring ease and convenience. The extension of the railway line would provide an efficient mode of transportation, helping fulfill the spiritual needs of pilgrims.
Establishing a direct rail connection to Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga aligns with the goal of promoting religious tourism and making it more accessible to devotees across the country. The initiative would not only enhance the pilgrim experience but also contribute to the overall development of the region’s infrastructure.
Ashwini Vaishnav, the Railway Minister, will now consider Mahajan’s request, weighing the potential benefits for the thousands of worshippers who visit Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga every year.
