Punjab is set to see a transformative boost in rail connectivity as the Centre has approved the construction of an 18-kilometre rail line linking Rajpura and Mohali. Railway officials confirmed that the ₹443 crore project will directly connect the Malwa region to the state capital, Chandigarh, significantly reducing travel time and distance for commuters, industries, and pilgrims. The project marks a strategic move towards sustainable transport and efficient regional integration in the state.
The new rail line will bypass the existing circuitous route through Ambala, reducing travel distance by nearly 66 kilometres. Currently, trains from Ludhiana or Malwa’s southern districts must detour via Ambala to reach Chandigarh, extending journey times and adding congestion to the Rajpura-Ambala corridor. Officials highlighted that this direct connection will ease traffic on the existing network and shorten the Ambala-Morinda route, enhancing efficiency and reliability. Experts note that the 18-kilometre alignment was chosen after careful consideration of multiple options, primarily for its minimal impact on agricultural land. Officials emphasised that the project balances regional connectivity needs with sustainable land use, limiting disruption to local farming communities while fostering equitable development.
In addition to the Rajpura-Mohali line, the Ministry of Railways has proposed a new Vande Bharat Express connecting Firozpur Cantt, Bhatinda, Patiala, and Delhi. Covering 486 kilometres in 6 hours and 40 minutes, the high-speed service is expected to facilitate faster passenger movement while promoting energy-efficient rail travel, offering a greener alternative to road transport. Punjab’s broader rail expansion plans include seven major projects under execution, including the Nangal Dam-Talwara line (123 km), Bhanupali-Bilaspur-Beri line (63 km), and Firozpur-Patti line (26 km). The Firozpur-Patti route is expected to enhance economic connectivity between Punjab’s border districts—Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Firozpur—and Gujarat ports, reducing logistics costs and supporting industrial and agricultural supply chains.
Officials emphasised that the Rajpura-Mohali project is aligned with modern, sustainable urban planning, ensuring equitable transport access across gender and socio-economic groups. The integration of new lines with high-speed services like the Vande Bharat Express further strengthens Punjab’s position as a regional hub for rail-based passenger and freight transport. Railway authorities also underscored the potential benefits for tourism and pilgrimage. The enhanced network will improve access to key religious and heritage sites, including Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib, Shaikh Ahmad al-Faruqi al-Sirhindi shrine, and local museums, supporting eco-friendly tourism while reducing carbon emissions from road travel.
With project execution underway, Punjab is poised to witness a substantial improvement in regional mobility, industrial logistics, and sustainable connectivity, aligning with the government’s vision of zero-carbon, gender-neutral, and inclusive infrastructure development.
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