Mohali, 25 October 2025: A long-pending dream of Punjab’s Malwa region is finally turning into reality, with the Union Ministry of Railways approving land acquisition for the Rajpura–Mohali railway line. Officials said the next step — laying the tracks — will begin soon after the land process is completed, with construction likely to take about a year.
The 18.11-km stretch will be developed at a cost of ₹443 crore and will directly connect the Malwa region with Chandigarh. Once operational, the new link will not only reduce travel distance between Ludhiana and the state capital by nearly 66 km but also enhance mobility for thousands of daily commuters.
In an official notification, the Centre has ordered the acquisition of 52.84 hectares of land spread across the districts of Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali). The move marks a major milestone for a project that has remained on paper for nearly 50 years.
At present, trains from Ludhiana have to take a detour via Ambala to reach Chandigarh, resulting in longer travel times. The new alignment is expected to make train travel faster, cheaper, and more convenient for passengers from Malwa.
Officials said the central approval underscores the government’s focus on improving regional connectivity in Punjab. “The Rajpura–Mohali line will transform accessibility between Malwa and the capital, benefiting lakhs of residents,” said a senior official familiar with the project.
