Rajpura-Mohali Rail Link Set to Revolutionize Rail Connectivity in Punjab
The long-awaited Rajpura-Mohali rail link is poised to significantly enhance rail connectivity between Southern Punjab and Chandigarh by establishing a direct route that circumvents the heavily congested Ambala junction. This strategic initiative promises to streamline travel and boost regional economic activity.
Project Details and Financial Approval
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently announced in Parliament that the new railway line project, spanning 18 kilometers, has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 443 crore. This declaration came in response to a query from MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, highlighting the project's importance in the national rail network.
The minister emphasized that the venture has been designated as a "Special Railway Project", underscoring its priority status. To ensure timely execution, the land acquisition process has already been initiated, with the Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA) appointed in November 2025 to oversee and expedite the necessary procedures.
Expected Benefits and Operational Impact
Upon completion, the Rajpura-Mohali rail link will directly connect Bathinda and the broader Southern Punjab region, including key areas like Sirhind, Gobindgarh, and Rajpura, with Chandigarh. This new corridor will enable trains to avoid the Ambala route, leading to several advantages:
- Reduction in travel time for both passenger and freight services.
- Alleviation of congestion on existing rail corridors, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Improved connectivity for cities such as Patiala, Dhuri, Sangrur, Bathinda, and Barnala, fostering regional integration.
Broader Rail Infrastructure Development in Punjab
In a concerted effort to strengthen rail infrastructure across Punjab, Indian Railways has undertaken extensive survey work in recent years. During the financial periods from 2022-23 to 2025-26, a total of 22 railway surveys were conducted in the state. These surveys encompassed:
- Nine new line surveys.
- Twelve doubling surveys.
- One gauge conversion survey.
Cumulatively, these surveys covered approximately 2,101 kilometers, either fully or partially within Punjab, reflecting a robust commitment to modernizing the region's rail network.
Government Measures for Expedited Project Execution
Minister Vaishnaw outlined several measures implemented by the government to accelerate the approval and execution of railway projects. Key initiatives include:
- Establishment of Gati Shakti units to streamline coordination.
- Prioritization of critical projects based on strategic importance.
- Substantial increases in fund allocation for priority works.
- Delegation of powers to field-level authorities for faster decision-making.
- Close monitoring of project progress at multiple administrative levels.
Regular coordination with state governments and relevant authorities is ongoing to expedite land acquisition, secure forestry and wildlife clearances, and resolve other implementation-related challenges. Officials noted that project sanctioning depends on factors such as anticipated traffic, financial viability, first and last mile connectivity, decongestion needs, public demands, operational requirements, socio-economic considerations, and overall fund availability.
Conclusion: A Catalyst for Regional Growth
The Rajpura-Mohali rail link is anticipated to play a pivotal role in enhancing regional connectivity, stimulating economic activity, and improving passenger convenience across Punjab and the Chandigarh region. By cutting travel times and easing the load on existing infrastructure, this project represents a significant step forward in India's rail development agenda, promising long-term benefits for commuters and businesses alike.
