Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, a major railway milestone has been achieved in Punjab with the sanctioning of the long-awaited Rajpura-Mohali rail line. The announcement was made by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, alongside Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu, Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries, fulfilling a demand over 50 years in the making.

The new 18 km railway line, estimated to cost Rs 4.43 billion, will directly connect the Malwa region with the state capital, Chandigarh. Previously, trains from Ludhiana had to travel via Ambala, adding distance and time. The direct connection will reduce travel by approximately 66 km and enhance connectivity for all 13 districts of the Malwa region, easing congestion on existing routes.

The project is expected to boost key sectors such as textiles, manufacturing, and agriculture, enabling faster movement of produce, reducing transportation costs for industries like Rajpura Thermal Power Plant, and improving access for pilgrims and tourists to sites including Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib, Shaikh Ahmad al-Faruqi al-Sirhindi Shrine, Haveli Todar Mal, and Sanghol Museum.

A new Vande Bharat Express is also proposed along the route Firozpur Cantt → Bhatinda → Patiala → Delhi, operating six days a week (excluding Wednesday) with a journey time of 6 hours 40 minutes covering 486 km.

Railway investment has increased dramatically, from an annual average of Rs 2.25 billion in 2009-14 to Rs 54.21 billion in 2025-26, representing a 24-fold rise. Major achievements since 2014 include:

Current projects in Punjab include a Rs 250 billion railway development programme, nine new track projects covering 714 km worth Rs 219.26 billion, 30 Amrit stations under development at Rs 11.22 billion, and 88 ROB/RUB flyovers/underpasses valued at Rs 12.38 billion. The Firozpur-Patti rail line will enhance connectivity between border districts and Gujarat ports, creating an economic corridor that reduces logistics costs.

Shri Vaishnaw also highlighted preparations for the festival season, with 12,000 special trains planned for Chhath and Diwali, compared to 7,724 last year. Over 10,000 trips have already been notified, including 150 unreserved trains ready for rapid deployment, with 50 additional services to follow.