Mumbai, May 23 -- The long-awaited railway link from Rajpura in Punjab to Chandigarh is set to become a reality, with the central government approving the project and allocating Rs 2.03 billion for its execution. Union Railway Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu confirmed the development, stating that the 24-kilometre line will be fully funded by the Centre and is targeted for completion within two years.
The new rail line will enhance connectivity for the Malwa region, linking it directly to the state capital. Unlike previous rail projects that required cost-sharing between the Centre and the state, this initiative will be entirely financed by the central government.
The route will run from village Nalas near Rajpura to Saneta on the Chandigarh-Ludhiana line near Mohali. A supplementary 5-kilometre track has also been approved to eliminate the need for engine changes en route to Chandigarh, reducing travel time and improving efficiency.
Minister Bittu also announced work on additional railway lines, including routes from Ferozepur to Patti and Talwandi Sabo. Railway infrastructure projects worth Rs 7 billion are currently in progress across Punjab, with ongoing developments in Ludhiana and Amritsar.
Bittu, a native of the Malwa region, noted that past expansion was hindered by vested interests, but efforts are now underway to accelerate progress. He called on all political parties in Punjab to support the initiative and assured farmers that land acquisition would be carried out responsibly.
The new railway link is expected to benefit Rajpura's growing industrial base and provide affordable, direct access to Chandigarh for students and workers from across the Malwa region.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.