Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi another major railway milestone has been achieved for Punjab.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has achieved another major railway milestone for Punjab. The government has sanctioned the long-awaited Rajpura–Mohali rail line in Punjab
Union Minister of Railways Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Sh. Ravneet Singh Bittu made this announcement today. It fulfils more than 50-year old demand of the people of Punjab.
This 18 km railway line will cost Rs 443 crores and will directly connect the Malwa region with the state capital Chandigarh.
Key benefits of the New Rail Line
Direct Connectivity: Earlier, trains from Ludhiana had to go through Ambala to reach Chandigarh, adding extra distance and time. Now there will be a direct connection between Rajpura and Mohali, reducing travel distance by approximately 66 km.
All 13 districts of the Malwa region will now be well-connected with Chandigarh. It will ease traffic on the existing Rajpura-Ambala route and shorten the Ambala-Morinda link.
Officials chose this route because it requires the least agricultural land acquisition, ensuring minimal impact on farming activities
Economic Impact
The project will boost industries including textiles, manufacturing, and agriculture. It will create a comprehensive network connecting Punjab’s agricultural heartland with major commercial centers and ports, facilitating:
- Faster movement of agricultural produce
- Reduced transportation costs for industries eg. Rajpura Thermal Power Plant
- Better connectivity for pilgrims visiting religious sites and enhanced tourism potential
- Connectivity to Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib, Shrine of Shaikh Ahmad al-Faruqi al-Sirhindi, Haveli Todar Mal, Sanghol Museum etc.
New Vande Bharat Express Service
A new Vande Bharat Express has been proposed connecting:
- Route: Firozpur Cantt.→ Bhatinda → Patiala → Delhi
- Service: 6 days a week (except Wednesday)
- Journey Time: 6 hours 40 minutes covering 486 km
- Frequency: Daily service connecting the border district to the national capital
- Record Railway Investment in Punjab
- 2009-14 average: Rs 225 crores annually
- 2025-26: Rs 5,421 crores annually
- Increase of 24 times higher than the previous government
- Major Achievements Since 2014:
- 382 km of new tracks constructed
- 1,634 km electrified – Punjab is now 100% electrified
- 409 rail flyovers and under-bridges built
- Current Projects:
- Railway project of Rs 25,000 crores being executed in Punjab
- 9 new track projects covering 714 km worth Rs 21,926 crores
- 30 Amrit stations are being developed at Rs 1,122 crores
- 88 ROB/RUBs (flyovers/underpasses) worth Rs 1,238 crores
