Punjab and Haryana Receive ₹8,837 Crore for Railway Infrastructure Upgrade in Union Budget 2025-26
Union Budget for 2025-26, the government has significantly boosted railway infrastructure development in Punjab and Haryana, with allocations of ₹5,421 crore and ₹3,416 crore, respectively. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the news on Monday, highlighting how these funds will be used to modernise and expand the rail network in both states, contributing to enhanced connectivity, safety, and economic growth.
The budgetary allocations for Punjab and Haryana are a marked increase from previous periods. For Punjab, the ₹5,421 crore allocation is 24 times higher than the ₹225 crore the state received between 2009 and 2014. Similarly, Haryana’s ₹3,416 crore allocation is 11 times the ₹315 crore it received during the same period. This substantial funding reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional infrastructure, especially in critical areas like railways.
One of the key highlights of the budget is the emphasis on station redevelopment. In Punjab, 30 stations are being redeveloped under the Amrit Station initiative, with an investment of ₹1,122 crore. This initiative is part of the government’s larger strategy to modernise the railway network and provide passengers with better facilities. Stations such as Abohar, Amritsar, Beas, and Bathinda, among others, are set to undergo significant upgrades. In Haryana, 34 stations are also undergoing redevelopment at a total cost of ₹1,149 crore. Some of the major stations being modernised include Ambala Cantt, Faridabad, Hisar, Karnal, and Kurukshetra Junction. These improvements will not only enhance passenger experience but will also help accommodate the growing demand for railway services in these regions.
Safety has been another priority in this year’s railway budget. The Union Budget allocates ₹1,16,000 crore for railway infrastructure improvements across the country, with significant focus on track renewal and the introduction of the KAVACH safety system. Punjab and Haryana have both seen impressive strides in safety and infrastructure development in recent years. Punjab has added 382 km of new railway tracks since 2014, surpassing the total railway network in the Philippines. Haryana has also made significant progress, with 823 km of new tracks laid, nearly equal to the rail network of the United Arab Emirates. These expansions contribute to better connectivity and more efficient transport networks for both states.
The substantial investments in railway infrastructure are set to have a transformative impact on Punjab and Haryana. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed gratitude to the Union government for the substantial funding, stating that these investments would greatly improve rail connectivity, boost economic opportunities, and strengthen the state’s overall development. For Punjab, the increase in funding is a welcome boost for an economy reliant on agriculture, manufacturing, and trade. Railway development will not only improve the ease of transporting goods but also enhance passenger services, encouraging tourism and regional connectivity.
In a related development, Odisha also received significant investments in the Union Budget, with ₹10,599 crore allocated for railway infrastructure development. While this figure marks a marginal increase from the previous year, it highlights the government’s continued focus on the state’s rail network, with major projects such as station redevelopments and the introduction of the KAVACH safety system. The Union Budget’s allocation of ₹8,837 crore to Punjab and Haryana for railway infrastructure reflects the central government’s commitment to modernising the rail network, improving safety, and supporting economic growth in key regions. With major redevelopment projects underway, both states are poised to experience a significant boost in rail connectivity, transforming them into key players in India’s rapidly developing transport landscape. These developments will have lasting positive impacts, ensuring that the railways continue to be a vital pillar of India’s infrastructure for years to come.
