Rajpura–Mohali Rail Link Gets Green Signal: Southern Punjab to Reach Chandigarh Faster, Bypassing Ambala
The long-pending Rajpura–Mohali rail link has finally been sanctioned, promising a major boost to rail connectivity between Southern Punjab and Chandigarh. The 18-km railway line, approved at an estimated cost of ₹443 crore, will provide a direct route that bypasses the heavily congested Ambala junction, significantly cutting travel time for passengers and freight.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament that the project has been declared a “Special Railway Project” due to its strategic importance. The land acquisition process is already underway, with the Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA) appointed in November 2025 to fast- track approvals and ensure timely execution.
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Once completed, the new rail corridor will directly connect Bathinda and the Southern Punjab belt—including Sirhind, Gobindgarh, Rajpura, Patiala, Dhuri, Sangrur and Barnala— with Chandigarh. This direct alignment will allow trains to avoid the Ambala route, easing pressure on existing saturated corridors and improving overall operational efficiency of the rail network.
The project is part of a broader push by Indian Railways to strengthen infrastructure in Punjab. Between 2022–23 and 2025–26, a total of 22 railway surveys were conducted in the state, including nine new line surveys, 12 doubling surveys and one gauge conversion survey, covering around 2,101 km. These efforts aim to improve capacity, decongest key routes and enhance regional connectivity.
Officials noted that faster project execution is being supported through initiatives such as Gati Shakti units, higher fund allocation for priority projects, decentralised decision- making and close coordination with state governments. The Rajpura–Mohali rail link is expected to play a crucial role in boosting economic activity, improving passenger convenience and strengthening Punjab’s connectivity with the Chandigarh region.
