AMRITSAR: The FlyAmritsar Initiative (FAI) along with Amritsar Vikas Manch (AVM), Guru Ram Das Foundation (USA), and SEVA Trust UK, have jointly written to the Prime Minister of India, Sh. Narendra Modi Ji, seeking his intervention for the early commencement of a direct flight between the holy cities of Amritsar and Nanded.
The joint representation was issued by Manmohan Singh Brar, Patron, AVM (Amritsar); Anantdeep Singh Dhillon, Overseas Secretary, AVM (Canada); Sameep Singh Gumtala, Global Convener, FAI (USA); Bhai Sawinder Singh, Director, Guru Ram Das Foundation (USA); and Charan Kanwal Singh Sekhon MBE, Chairman, SEVA Trust UK. This coalition reflects a unified voice from Punjab and the global Sikh and Punjabi diaspora.
In their letter, the organizations expressed gratitude for the significant improvements in Punjab’s air connectivity during the Prime Minister’s tenure. They specifically noted the continued operation of international routes such as Amritsar–London and Amritsar–Birmingham, as well as the expansion of domestic connectivity under the UDAN scheme.
The representation highlights the PM’s assurance given during a Maharashtra election rally in November 2024. At that time, PM Modi noted that while Nanded-Adampur flights had commenced, he assured that the Sikh community would also soon be able to fly directly between Nanded and Amritsar. This assurance generated widespread optimism among devotees in India and across the world.
The proposed flight holds deep spiritual significance, connecting two of the most sacred Takhts of Sikhism—Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar, and Takht Sri Abchalnagar Hazur Sahib, Nanded. Currently, pilgrims, especially senior citizens, face considerable hardship due to the lack of direct connectivity.
The demand has gained urgency due to the nationwide commemoration of the 350th Martyrdom (Shaheedi) Anniversary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji. Large numbers of devotees visiting Punjab for this commemorative year wish to travel onward to pay obeisance at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded.