Punjab’s Rajpura-Mohali Rail Link Set for 18-Month Completion

The Indian Ministry of Railways has approved a significant infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity in Punjab. The new Rajpura-Mohali rail link, expected to be completed within 18 months, is set to enhance travel for daily commuters in the region. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu announced the project, which includes a bypass line costing ₹411.96 crore.

The Rajpura-Mohali rail project will span approximately 18 kilometers and is anticipated to cost ₹443 crore. This new link will provide a direct connection from the Malwa region to Chandigarh, significantly reducing travel distances. Currently, commuters must navigate a longer route through Ambala, which adds roughly 66 kilometers to their journey.

For the estimated 70,000 daily commuters who frequently face heavy traffic on the Zirakpur-Banur highway, this development is expected to alleviate congestion and streamline travel. The project involves a 13.46-kilometer line that connects the New Shambhu Dedicated Freight Corridor to Kauli station, addressing the critical bottleneck at the saturated Rajpura Yard on the Ambala-Jalandhar corridor.

Land acquisition for the project is already underway, with 53.84 hectares being secured across the districts of Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, and SAS Nagar. This infrastructure improvement is anticipated to lower logistics costs for local industries, including the Rajpura Thermal Power Plant, while also enhancing access to important cultural sites such as Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib.

Local residents and professionals have expressed optimism about the project, viewing it as a crucial step towards boosting Punjab’s economy and improving regional travel. The Rajpura-Mohali rail link represents a significant advancement in the state’s transportation infrastructure, promising to benefit both commuters and businesses alike.

In summary, the Rajpura-Mohali rail link is a much-anticipated project that not only aims to reduce travel times but also seeks to improve overall connectivity in Punjab, fostering economic growth and enhancing the daily commute for thousands in the region.