The Central Government has once again urged the Punjab Government to accelerate the execution of two major railway infrastructure projects—the Rajpura Bypass railway line and the Rajpura-Mohali rail link—emphasising their importance in improving regional connectivity, reducing railway congestion and supporting long-term economic growth.
Table Of Content
The Ministry of Railways has been closely reviewing the progress of several delayed railway projects across Punjab. During the review, officials highlighted that land acquisition issues and pending administrative approvals continue to slow construction. The Centre has asked the state government to resolve these bottlenecks on priority to ensure timely completion of projects that are considered strategically important for Northern Railway.
Rajpura-Mohali Rail Link to Improve Direct Connectivity
Among the key projects is the 18-kilometre Rajpura-Mohali rail link, which has been approved at an estimated cost of approximately ₹443 crore.
Once completed, the new railway line will establish a direct rail connection between Rajpura and Mohali, reducing the travel distance by nearly 66 kilometres for trains operating between Chandigarh and Punjab’s Malwa region. The shorter route is expected to reduce travel time, improve operational efficiency and lower fuel and maintenance costs for Indian Railways.
The project will significantly enhance rail connectivity for districts including Bathinda, Sangrur, Barnala, Patiala and Sirhind, while reducing dependence on the heavily congested Ambala railway route. Railway officials believe the new corridor will benefit both passenger and freight services by offering a faster and more efficient alternative.
Rajpura Bypass to Ease Rail Congestion
The Centre has also sought faster implementation of the Rajpura Bypass railway line, another important infrastructure project aimed at decongesting one of Northern Railway’s busiest sections.
The bypass will enable passenger and freight trains to avoid the crowded Rajpura Yard, reducing operational delays and improving overall train movement across the region. Once operational, it is expected to enhance network efficiency, minimise waiting times and increase railway capacity for future traffic growth.
Delays Linked to Land Acquisition
According to railway officials, both projects have experienced prolonged delays primarily because of pending land acquisition, procedural approvals and coordination between various government departments.
The Central Government has requested the Punjab Government to complete all pending formalities as soon as possible so that construction work can progress without further interruption.
Ravneet Singh Bittu Seeks Faster Action
Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu has written to the Punjab Government, requesting immediate intervention to expedite several long-pending railway infrastructure projects in the state.
In his communication, the Minister stressed that many projects of national and regional importance are awaiting necessary approvals and administrative support. He urged state authorities to prioritise land acquisition and departmental coordination to avoid further delays.
Major Benefits for Punjab
The Rajpura-Mohali rail link has remained a long-standing demand of residents, businesses and industries across Punjab’s Malwa region.
At present, trains travelling from Bathinda and nearby districts towards Chandigarh are required to pass through Ambala, increasing travel distance and operational costs. The proposed direct rail connection is expected to provide a shorter and more efficient route while strengthening the northern railway network.
Infrastructure experts believe the project will also support the rapid expansion of Mohali, particularly around Aerocity, IT City and the proposed Aerotropolis. Better railway connectivity is expected to encourage residential development, industrial investment, logistics growth and commercial activity throughout the region.
Focus Shifts to Faster Execution
With the Centre reiterating its commitment to strengthening railway infrastructure, attention now turns to the pace of land acquisition and inter-departmental coordination within Punjab.
If the remaining hurdles are resolved in the coming months, both the Rajpura Bypass railway line and the Rajpura-Mohali rail link could become transformative infrastructure projects, delivering long-term benefits through improved passenger services, faster freight movement, reduced congestion and stronger economic development across Punjab.
