The Indian government has approved a ₹443 crore project to construct an 18-kilometre rail line connecting Rajpura and Mohali in Punjab, aiming to streamline connectivity to Chandigarh and strengthen the region’s transport network. Officials say the new route will reduce travel distance by 66 km compared to the existing Ludhiana-Ambala-Chandigarh corridor, offering faster travel for commuters and goods while enhancing economic linkages across southern Punjab.
This new line is set to integrate all 13 districts of the Malwa region with Chandigarh, significantly easing congestion on the Rajpura-Ambala route and shortening the Ambala-Morinda stretch. Transport analysts note that among available options, this alignment was chosen to minimise agricultural land acquisition, reflecting an effort to balance infrastructure development with sustainable land use and rural livelihoods. Officials highlight that the project will stimulate industrial growth in textiles, manufacturing, and agriculture. By providing direct access to major commercial hubs and ports, it will expedite movement of agricultural produce, reduce transportation costs for energy projects such as the Rajpura Thermal Power Plant, and facilitate smoother logistics for industrial sectors. Urban planners suggest this infrastructure expansion could also serve as a model for equitable, low-carbon transport corridors in semi-urban and rural regions.
The new line is expected to benefit tourism and pilgrimage traffic, linking key religious and cultural sites including Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib, Shaikh Ahmad al-Faruqi al-Sirhindi shrine, Haveli Todar Mal, and the Sanghol Museum. Experts believe improved rail access could enhance sustainable tourism while reducing road congestion and carbon emissions from road transport. Rail authorities also announced a new Vande Bharat Express connecting Firozpur Cantt with Delhi via Bhatinda and Patiala. The six-day-a-week service (excluding Wednesdays) will cover 486 km in 6 hours 40 minutes, reinforcing rapid and energy-efficient intercity travel. Officials point out that such investments in high-speed rail and direct linkages are part of a larger effort to modernise Punjab’s rail infrastructure sustainably.
Railway investment in the state has surged dramatically, from an annual average of ₹225 crore between 2009-14 to ₹5,421 crore in 2025-26. Currently, projects worth ₹25,000 crore are under execution, including nine new track projects covering 714 km, development of 30 Amrit stations, and 88 flyovers and underpasses. Transport economists note that these developments not only boost connectivity but also strengthen economic corridors linking Punjab’s border districts with Gujarat ports, potentially lowering logistics costs and supporting trade competitiveness. Officials emphasise that this Rajpura-Mohali project exemplifies integrated infrastructure planning, combining urban-rural connectivity, industrial growth, and sustainable mobility, while prioritising minimal environmental impact and equitable benefits for local communities.
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