Punjab is set to witness a major railway transformation with the sanctioning of the long-awaited Rajpura-Mohali rail line, the introduction of a new Vande Bharat Express, and record train services for the upcoming festival season. The announcements were made on Monday by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu, who described them as “historic milestones” for the state.
The 18-km Rajpura-Mohali line, approved at a cost of ₹443 crore, fulfills a demand pending for more than five decades. The project will provide direct rail connectivity between the Malwa region and Chandigarh, cutting down the extra 66 km detour through Ambala. Officials said the route was chosen with minimal agricultural land acquisition, ensuring limited disruption to farmers. Once operational, it will decongest the Rajpura-Ambala corridor and directly link all 13 districts of Malwa with the state capital.
The line is expected to boost trade, agriculture, and tourism. Faster movement of farm produce, reduced transport costs for industries like the Rajpura Thermal Power Plant, and better connectivity for pilgrims visiting sites such as Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib and Sanghol Museum are among the key benefits.
Adding to the announcement, the government unveiled a new Vande Bharat Express between Firozpur and Delhi via Bathinda and Patiala. The train will run six days a week, covering the 486 km journey in 6 hours and 40 minutes. Officials said it will be a crucial lifeline for border districts, providing direct access to the national capital.
The developments come amid record railway investments in Punjab. Annual allocations have surged from an average of ₹225 crore between 2009–14 to ₹5,421 crore in 2025–26 — a 24-fold increase. Since 2014, the state has seen 382 km of new tracks laid, 1,634 km electrified (making it fully electrified), and 409 rail flyovers and underpasses built. Projects worth ₹25,000 crore are currently underway, including nine new track projects spanning 714 km and the redevelopment of 30 stations under the Amrit Bharat scheme.
Meanwhile, Indian Railways has geared up for the festive rush by announcing 12,000 special trains for Chhath and Diwali, up from 7,724 last year. Over 10,000 trips have already been notified, with 150 unreserved trains ready for deployment and 50 more expected soon.
Highlighting improved operations, Minister Vaishnaw said 29 railway divisions have achieved over 90% punctuality, with some crossing 98%. “Better infrastructure and planning have made this possible,” he added.
"The dual announcement of the Rajpura-Mohali line and Vande Bharat Express, coupled with record festival services, marks what officials called a “turning point” in Punjab’s rail connectivity", he added.