NEW DELHI/Chandigarh, September 23— In a major boost for Punjab’s flood-hit infrastructure, the Union government on Tuesday approved two major railway projects, including the long-pending Mohali–Rajpura rail link and a new Vande Bharat Express between Ferozepur and New Delhi.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, said the projects would address decades-old demands while strengthening connectivity across the state. “The Mohali–Rajpura line has been a demand for nearly 50 years. With this project moving forward, regional links will improve significantly,” Vaishnaw noted.
The 54-hectare land needed for the new line will be acquired by the Punjab government and handed over to the Centre, officials said. Once complete, the rail link will connect Chandigarh with the Malwa region, including Rajpura, Patiala and Sangrur.
The ministers also announced that a Vande Bharat Express will soon begin service between Ferozepur and New Delhi, running six days a week, except Wednesdays.
Vaishnaw added that other projects are in the pipeline. “Redevelopment of the Chandigarh railway station is progressing, and we expect it to be operational by 2026–27,” he said.
Officials said the measures are expected to ease travel for passengers, improve freight movement and support economic recovery in Punjab.
