The Central Government has urged the Punjab Government to expedite work on two key infrastructure projects—the Rajpura Bypass railway line and the Rajpura-Mohali rail link—highlighting their importance for improving connectivity, easing congestion and supporting economic growth across the region.
The push comes as the Ministry of Railways reviews the progress of several railway projects that have witnessed delays, largely due to pending land acquisition and administrative clearances. Officials at the Centre have stressed that timely completion of these projects is essential to strengthen Punjab’s transport network and improve passenger as well as freight movement.
One of the most significant projects under review is the 18-kilometre Rajpura-Mohali rail link, which has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of around ₹443 crore. Once completed, the new railway line will provide a direct connection between Mohali and Rajpura, reducing travel distance by nearly 66 kilometres for trains travelling between Chandigarh and Punjab’s Malwa region.
The project is expected to improve rail connectivity for districts such as Bathinda, Sangrur, Barnala, Patiala and Sirhind while reducing dependence on the congested Ambala route. Officials believe the direct rail link will not only make passenger travel more convenient but also facilitate smoother movement of goods, benefiting industries and businesses across the region.
Alongside the rail link, the Centre has also sought quicker progress on the Rajpura Bypass railway line, another strategically important project designed to decongest one of Northern Railway’s busiest corridors. The bypass will allow freight and passenger trains to avoid the busy Rajpura Yard, improving operational efficiency and reducing delays on the network.
According to officials, both projects have been delayed due to pending land acquisition and procedural issues. The Centre has now asked the Punjab Government to resolve these bottlenecks at the earliest so that construction activities can move forward without further interruptions.
Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu has also written to the Punjab Government, requesting personal intervention to speed up the implementation of long-pending railway infrastructure projects in the state. The communication highlights that several railway projects of national importance are awaiting clearances and support from the state administration.
The Rajpura-Mohali rail link has long been a demand of residents and industries in Punjab’s Malwa belt. At present, trains travelling from the region towards Chandigarh have to pass through Ambala, increasing travel time and operational costs. The proposed direct link is expected to make rail travel more efficient while providing an alternative route for future expansion of the northern railway network.
Infrastructure experts also believe the project will complement Mohali’s rapid urban growth, particularly around Aerocity, IT City and the upcoming Aerotropolis. Improved railway connectivity is expected to support residential development, industrial investment and commercial activity in the expanding Mohali region. With the Centre reiterating the need for faster execution, attention will now be on the pace of land acquisition and inter-departmental coordination. If the pending issues are resolved in the coming months, both the Rajpura Bypass and the Rajpura-Mohali rail link could significantly strengthen transportation infrastructure across Punjab and provide long-term benefits to commuters, businesses and the logistics sector.
