The NDA government has approved the long-pending Rajpura-Mohali rail link and announced a new Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat train. The projects aim to boost Punjab’s connectivity, cut travel time, and strengthen regional trade.
A Historic Green Signal for Punjab
After nearly five decades of wait, Punjab has finally received the Centre’s approval for the much-anticipated Rajpura-Mohali rail link. Alongside this, the government has cleared another key project – a new Vande Bharat Express between Ferozepur and Delhi.
The announcements, made on Tuesday by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, mark a major step forward in enhancing Punjab’s rail connectivity and reducing travel bottlenecks in the region.
Rajpura-Mohali Rail Link: A 50-Year Dream Nears Reality
The Rajpura-Mohali link, first demanded in Parliament back in 1976, has remained a longstanding public demand. Once completed, it will cut the travel distance between Patiala and Chandigarh by 66 km, providing direct relief to commuters who currently depend on detours via Ambala or Morinda.
The 18-km-long project, with an estimated cost of ₹443 crore, is designed for completion within two years. The new line will:
- Connect Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Mohali districts.
- Ease congestion on the busy Rajpura–Ambala route.
- Require minimal agricultural land acquisition (around 54 hectares).
- Facilitate faster movement of agricultural produce and reduce industrial transport costs.
- Improve access to key heritage and religious sites, including Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib, Shaikh Ahmad al-Faruqi al-Sirhindi’s shrine, the Haveli of Todar Mal, and Sanghol Museum.
Bittu emphasized that most of the land to be acquired does not fall under agricultural zones, ensuring minimal disruption to farming. He also appealed to the Punjab Government and local farmer unions to cooperate for swift acquisition.
Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat: Faster, Smarter, Daily Service
The second big announcement is the Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express, which will connect Punjab’s border district with the national capital in just six hours and forty minutes.
Covering 486 km, the train will pass through Ferozepur Cantt, Bathinda, Dhuri, Patiala, Ambala Cantt, Kurukshetra, and Panipat before reaching Delhi. The service will run daily except on Wednesdays, catering to business travelers, students, and families alike.
According to Bittu, the train could be operational within days, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to flag it off personally, either in a physical or virtual ceremony.
A Big Push to Punjab’s Rail Infrastructure
Railway Minister Vaishnaw highlighted how the current government has significantly raised investment in Punjab’s rail sector. He noted that the rail budget allocation for Punjab has risen from ₹225 crore (2009–2014) to ₹5,421 crore in 2025–26, reflecting the Centre’s focus on boosting connectivity in the state.
“This is not just about infrastructure,” Vaishnaw said. “It’s about unlocking Punjab’s potential, easing passenger travel, reducing freight costs, and integrating the state more closely with India’s economic hubs.”
Why the Rajpura-Mohali Link Matters
The approval carries huge significance for Punjab’s Malwa region, as all 13 districts will now enjoy direct connectivity with Chandigarh. Currently, commuters from Ludhiana and Patiala often face long delays due to reliance on the Ambala route.
Key benefits include:
- Shorter commute times for daily travelers.
- Decongestion of existing routes.
- Boost to industries and agriculture through faster logistics.
- Tourism growth, given easier access to cultural and spiritual landmarks.
A Long-Pending Demand Fulfilled
The demand for this project was first raised by Congress MPs Narain Chand Prashar and Raghunandan Lal in March 1976. Since then, successive governments and political leaders across party lines have pressed for its execution.
Now, with the green signal from the Centre, hopes are high that the project will not only meet its timeline but also open new avenues of growth for the state.
The Centre’s decision to finally approve the Rajpura-Mohali rail link and launch the Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat marks a transformative moment for Punjab. Both projects promise faster connectivity, lower travel costs, and a major economic push to the border state.
For a demand pending since the mid-1970s, this is more than just an infrastructure project – it’s a reminder that some dreams, though delayed, do come true.