New Delhi: The much-awaited Rajpura-Mohali new rail line in Punjab has been approved, fulfilling a long-standing demand. This line will directly connect the Malwa region with the state capital, Chandigarh, at a cost of ₹443 crore. The project will boost several industries, including textiles, manufacturing, and agriculture, creating a comprehensive network connecting Punjab’s agricultural sector with major commercial centers.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said, “This 18-kilometer-long railway line will cost ₹443 crore and will directly connect the Malwa region with the state capital, Chandigarh. Previously, trains from Ludhiana had to travel via Ambala to reach Chandigarh, adding additional distance and time. Now, there will be a direct connection between Rajpura and Mohali, reducing the travel distance by 66 kilometers.”
Key Benefits of the New Line
This will provide better connectivity to Chandigarh for all 13 districts of the Malwa region. This will ease traffic on the existing Rajpura-Ambala route and shorten the Ambala-Morinda connection. This route was chosen among the available options because it requires the least amount of agricultural land acquisition, thereby minimizing the impact on agricultural activities.
Economic Impact
According to the Railway Minister, the project will boost industries, including textiles, manufacturing, and agriculture. It will create a comprehensive network connecting Punjab’s agricultural region to major commercial centers and ports, facilitating faster movement of agricultural produce, reducing transportation costs for industries, improving connectivity for pilgrims visiting the Rajpura Thermal Power Plant, religious sites, and enhancing tourism potential. It will also enhance connectivity to Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib, the Dargah of Sheikh Ahmad al-Faruqi al-Sirhindi, Haveli Todar Mal, and the Sanghol Museum.
Ashwini Vaishnav reported that approximately 382 kilometers of new track has been laid in Punjab and 1,634 kilometers have been electrified, which is now 100% electrified.
Ferozepur-Patti Rail Line
The Ferozepur-Patti Rail Line will provide vital connectivity between border districts and the ports of Gujarat. This service will create an economic corridor connecting Punjab’s border districts (Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Ferozepur). These districts will be connected to major cities and ultimately to the ports of Gujarat, significantly reducing logistics costs.
Projects Under Construction
Nangal Dam-Talwara New Line (123 km), Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri New Line (63 km), Ferozepur-Patti New Line (26 km), Mansa-Bhatinda Doubling (80 km), Ludhiana-Qila Raipur Doubling (17 km), Ludhiana-Mullanpur Doubling (21 km), and Alal-Himmatna Doubling (13 km).
