Indian Railways Sanctions Rs. 443 Cr Rajpura–Mohali 18 Km Rail Line

Punjab has achieved another major railway milestone with the sanctioning of the long-awaited Rajpura–Mohali new line. The 18 km line, to be built at a cost of ₹443 crore, will directly connect the Malwa region with the state capital, Chandigarh.

Currently, trains from Ludhiana reach Chandigarh via Ambala, adding extra distance and time. The new link will reduce travel distance by about 66 km, ease congestion on the Rajpura–Ambala route, and shorten the Ambala–Morinda link. It will also provide direct connectivity for all 13 districts of the Malwa region with Chandigarh. The chosen route requires minimal agricultural land acquisition, ensuring limited impact on farming activities.

The project is expected to boost industries such as textiles, manufacturing, and agriculture while reducing logistics costs. It will support faster movement of farm produce, improve connectivity for the Rajpura Thermal Power Plant, and enhance tourism and pilgrimage travel to sites like Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib, Sanghol Museum, and the Shrine of Shaikh Ahmad al-Faruqi al-Sirhindi.

A new Vande Bharat Express has also been proposed to connect Firozpur Cantt. with Delhi via Bathinda and Patiala. The service will run six days a week, covering 486 km in 6 hours 40 minutes, linking the border district directly to the national capital.

Railway investment in Punjab has seen a dramatic rise over the years. Between 2009 and 2014, the annual average investment stood at ₹225 crore, while in 2025–26 it is projected to reach ₹5,421 crore, a 24-fold increase. Since 2014, Indian Railways has constructed 382 km of new tracks and electrified 1,634 km, making Punjab the first state to achieve 100% electrification. In addition, 409 rail flyovers and underpasses have been built, significantly strengthening the state’s railway infrastructure.

Currently, projects worth ₹25,000 crore are under execution, including nine new track projects covering 714 km, development of 30 Amrit Stations at a cost of ₹1,122 crore, and 88 ROB/RUBs worth ₹1,238 crore. The upcoming Firozpur–Patti line will provide vital connectivity between border districts and Gujarat ports, creating a major economic corridor.

Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that operational performance has significantly improved, with more than 90% punctuality achieved in 29 out of 70 divisions, and some divisions recording over 98% punctuality.