New Delhi : In a major boost to Punjab’s railway infrastructure, the Union Government has sanctioned the much-anticipated Rajpura–Mohali rail line, fulfilling a demand that has been pending for over five decades. The announcement was made today under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking another significant milestone for the state.
Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu, confirmed the approval, describing it as a transformative step for Punjab’s connectivity.
The 18-kilometre line, with an estimated cost of ₹443 crore, will directly connect the Malwa region to Chandigarh, eliminating the need for trains from Ludhiana to travel via Ambala. This direct route will reduce the travel distance by approximately 66 kilometres, significantly cutting down travel time and improving passenger convenience.
The new rail link will also ensure that all 13 districts of the Malwa region are better connected to the state capital. Officials noted that the project will ease traffic congestion on the heavily used Rajpura–Ambala route while shortening the Ambala–Morinda link, improving overall efficiency in the state’s railway network.
Among various proposed routes, the Rajpura–Mohali alignment was selected as it requires the least agricultural land acquisition, minimizing the impact on farming activities in the region. Authorities expect the project to stimulate economic growth, streamline travel, and enhance the quality of life for residents across Punjab.