Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, a significant railway milestone has been reached for Punjab with the approval of the long-anticipated Rajpura-Mohali rail link. Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu shared this update, fulfilling a demand that has persisted for over 50 years. The new 18 km railway line, which will cost Rs 443 crores, will provide a direct connection between the Malwa region and the state capital, Chandigarh. Key advantages of the new line include direct connectivity, which eliminates the need for trains from Ludhiana to travel through Ambala, thereby reducing the travel distance by about 66 km.
All 13 districts of the Malwa region will now have improved access to Chandigarh, alleviating congestion on the current Rajpura-Ambala route and shortening the Ambala-Morinda link. This route was selected as it requires minimal agricultural land acquisition, reducing the impact on farming. Economically, the project is expected to benefit various sectors, including textiles, manufacturing, and agriculture, creating a network that links Punjab’s agricultural core with major commercial hubs and ports. It will facilitate quicker transportation of agricultural goods, lower transportation costs for industries, and enhance connectivity for pilgrims visiting religious sites, thereby boosting tourism. Notable destinations include Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib and Sanghol Museum. Additionally, a new Vande Bharat Express service is proposed, connecting Firozpur Cantt, Bhatinda, Patiala, and Delhi.
The service will operate six days a week, except Wednesdays, covering 486 km in approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes. Regarding railway investments in Punjab, the average investment from 2009 to 2014 was Rs 225 crores annually, while projections for 2025-26 indicate an increase to Rs 5,421 crores per year, a 24-fold increase compared to the previous administration. Since 2014, 382 km of new tracks have been laid, and the state is now fully electrified with 1,634 km electrified. Significant infrastructure projects include 409 rail flyovers and under-bridges, with ongoing projects worth Rs 25,000 crores, including 9 new track projects covering 714 km worth Rs 21,926 crores, and the development of 30 Amrit stations at Rs 1,122 crores.
In anticipation of the upcoming Chhath and Diwali festivals, Indian Railways has planned record train services, aiming for 12,000 special trains this year, compared to 7,724 last year. Currently, over 10,000 trips have been announced, with 150 unreserved trains ready for rapid deployment and an additional 50 to be confirmed soon. The peak travel period is expected to be between October 15 and November 15, and the railways are prepared to accommodate the anticipated passenger surge. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also reported significant improvements in service quality, with over 90% punctuality achieved in 29 out of 70 railway divisions, and some divisions even exceeding 98% punctuality due to enhanced infrastructure and operational efficiencies.