The Centre has allocated Rs 100 crore for the proposed Rajpura-Mohali railway line in the current financial year, with land acquisition already underway for the Rs 443-crore project, the Lok Sabha was informed.
Railway Minister Confirms Project Progress in Parliament
Replying to an unstarred question by Sangrur MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the 18-km railway line, declared a Special Railway Project, requires 73 hectares of land and that the acquisition process has been initiated following the issuance of a preliminary notification.
According to The Tribune, the proposed line will connect Rajpura Junction, Sarai Banjara and Mohali, providing direct rail connectivity between southern Punjab, including the Bathinda region, and Chandigarh without routing trains through Ambala.
Key Benefits of the Rajpura-Mohali Rail Connectivity
The new railway line addresses a long-standing infrastructure gap in the region. Currently, passengers traveling from southern Punjab to Chandigarh must take a longer route through Ambala, which adds significant travel time and distance.
- Direct connectivity between Bathinda region and Chandigarh
- Eliminates the need for trains to route through Ambala
- Reduces travel time for passengers in southern Punjab
- Connects three key stations: Rajpura Junction, Sarai Banjara, and Mohali
The minister's reply comes after the Punjab Government submitted its response, indicating active coordination between state and central authorities on the project's implementation.
Land Acquisition Process Underway
The project requires 73 hectares of land, and the acquisition process has already been initiated. The issuance of a preliminary notification marks the first formal step in the land acquisition procedure, which is often the most time-consuming phase of railway infrastructure projects in India.
The declaration of the Rajpura-Mohali line as a Special Railway Project signals the government's priority status for this infrastructure development, which could help expedite clearances and funding.
Our Take: A Promising Step for Punjab's Rail Infrastructure
To put it plainly, this Rs 100-crore allocation is a meaningful signal that the Rajpura-Mohali railway project is moving from planning to execution. The fact that land acquisition has begun — not just been announced — shows real momentum behind this initiative.
For residents of southern Punjab, this project matters directly. The current requirement to travel through Ambala to reach Chandigarh adds unnecessary hours to journeys. A direct rail link would not only save time but also make rail travel more competitive with road transport in the region.
However, we should note that land acquisition remains the biggest hurdle for such projects. While the preliminary notification is a positive step, the actual transfer of land can face delays due to compensation disputes and legal challenges. The government needs to ensure a fair and transparent acquisition process to keep this project on schedule.
The Rs 443-crore total investment also represents a significant commitment to Punjab's infrastructure. If executed properly, this line could serve as a model for similar connectivity projects in other parts of the state.
We will be watching closely to see how quickly the land acquisition progresses and whether the project meets its construction timeline. For now, this allocation signals that the Rajpura-Mohali railway line is finally getting the attention it deserves.
