Chandigarh, Feb 9: To resolve chronic traffic bottlenecks on the northern railway network, the Ministry of Railways has approved the construction of the Rajpura Bypass Line with an estimated investment of ₹411.96 crore. Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu shared details of the project on Monday, stating that the new line is essential to prevent a total saturation of the rail network in the coming years.
The approved work includes a 13.46-km rail line designed to link the New Shambhu Dedicated Freight Corridor station directly with Kauli station. This bypass is specifically intended to divert traffic away from the Rajpura Yard, which is currently operating at its maximum limit. Minister Bittu noted that the project will ensure faster transit times for passenger trains and significantly improve the turnaround time for freight logistics.
“The bypass will facilitate smoother movement of freight and passenger traffic by avoiding the bottleneck at Rajpura Yard,” Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu mentioned. He noted that the Ambala-Jalandhar route is currently seeing heavy usage, and the new infrastructure will help manage the projected growth in train frequency.
Minister Bittu further mentioned that the integration with the Dedicated Freight Corridor at New Shambhu is a key component of the project. He noted that this connectivity will allow for a more reliable and efficient transport system for industrial goods, cement, and agricultural produce moving through the state. The project is expected to play a vital role in supporting the local economy by lowering transportation costs and improving regional connectivity.
“Direct connectivity to Dedicated Freight Corridor at New Shambhu will enhance freight logistics and speed,” the Minister directly said. He noted that the Railway Board’s endorsement of the project highlights the government’s commitment to building world-class rail infrastructure that addresses both current and future operational requirements. The project is categorized under the “Umbrella Work” for the 2025-26 period, marking it as a priority for the ministry.
