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- It will provide improved access to important cultural and historical sites such as Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib, the shrine of Shaikh Ahmad al-Faruqi al-Sirhindi, the Haveli of Todar Mal, and the Sanghol Museum.
- the long-awaited Rajpura–Mohali rail link and a new Vande Bharat train service between Ferozepur and Delhi.
- In a significant boost to Punjab’s connectivity and economy, two major railway projects have been cleared for the state.
In a significant boost to Punjab’s connectivity and economy, two major railway projects have been cleared for the state: the long-awaited Rajpura–Mohali rail link and a new Vande Bharat train service between Ferozepur and Delhi.
Rajpura–Mohali Rail Link: A 50-Year Dream Realised
The 18-km Rajpura–Mohali rail link, first proposed in 1976, is finally set to become a reality. The new line will shorten the distance between Patiala and Chandigarh by around 66 km, cutting travel time considerably. Currently, trains from Ludhiana and Patiala must detour through Ambala to reach Chandigarh, creating congestion and delays.
With the new link, all 13 districts of the Malwa region will gain direct connectivity to Chandigarh. It will also ease pressure on the Rajpura–Ambala route and strengthen the Ambala–Morinda link. Importantly, this alignment requires minimal land acquisition—just 54 hectares—with most of it falling outside agricultural zones, reducing the impact on farming. The project is expected to cost ₹443 crore and has been given a two-year timeline for completion.
Beyond easing passenger travel, the link will also reduce transportation costs for industries and help in faster movement of agricultural produce. It will provide improved access to important cultural and historical sites such as Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib, the shrine of Shaikh Ahmad al-Faruqi al-Sirhindi, the Haveli of Todar Mal, and the Sanghol Museum.
Vande Bharat: Speed and Comfort for Ferozepur–Delhi
Punjab will also welcome a new Vande Bharat Express, offering a premium travel option between Ferozepur and Delhi. The train will run daily, except Wednesdays, covering the 486 km journey in just six hours and 40 minutes. The route will include stops at Ferozepur Cantt, Bathinda, Patiala, Ambala Cantt, and Panipat before reaching Delhi.
This addition is expected to transform long-distance travel for residents of Punjab’s border belt, connecting them swiftly and comfortably with the national capital.
A New Chapter for Punjab’s Railways
Together, these two projects mark a transformative moment for Punjab’s infrastructure. The Rajpura–Mohali link fulfils a half-century-old demand, while the new Vande Bharat train enhances modern travel options for border districts. Both initiatives promise not only convenience for commuters but also new opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Punjab, long a key contributor to India’s agricultural and industrial output, now stands to benefit from stronger connectivity that matches its ambitions for growth and development.
