Punjab’s Railways get major boost in 2025: Rs 25,000 crore projects, new trains and revival of long-pending links
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, December 28, 2025: Punjab’s rail infrastructure saw unprecedented attention in 2025, with projects worth around Rs 25,000 crore underway and a railway budget allocation of Rs 5,421 crore for 2025–26. The year marked a decisive push to enhance connectivity, introduce new trains, revive long-stalled rail links, and redevelop key stations across the state.
New Trains and Expanded Connectivity
Three new train services were launched in 2025, strengthening religious, regional, and high-speed connectivity. The Firozpur Cantt–Hazur Sahib Nanded Weekly Express and Firozpur Cantt–Haridwar Weekly Express began in June, primarily serving pilgrims.
The Firozepur–New Delhi Vande Bharat Express, inaugurated in November, became the first high-speed train for Punjab’s Malwa region, covering 486 km in 6 hours 40 minutes with stops at Dhuri, Barnala, Bathinda, Faridkot, and Patiala.
The Intercity Superfast Express was extended from Firozpur, operating twice weekly, while long-distance trains like the Firozpur–Rameswaram Humsafar Express and Tripura Sundari Express enhanced connectivity to southern and northeastern states.
Amrit Bharat Station Redevelopment
Under the Amrit Bharat Railway Station Scheme, redevelopment is underway at 30 stations across Punjab, including Ludhiana (Rs 465 crore), Patiala (Rs 47.5 crore), and Jalandhar Cantt (Rs 99 crore), among others. The total cost for these redevelopments is Rs 1,122 crore, with work at various stations initiated between February and November 2023.
Revival of Long-Pending Rail Links
Several stalled rail projects also moved forward in 2025. The Rajpura–Mohali rail line, pending for over 50 years, will cost Rs 443 crore and reduce Ludhiana–Chandigarh rail distance by 66 km. The Firozpur–Patti line (Rs 764.19 crore) will cut the Firozpur–Amritsar distance by nearly 100 km, improving logistics and regional connectivity.
The Qadian–Beas rail link, first sanctioned in 1929 and later stalled, was revived with revised estimates now at Rs 840 crore. Officials have been directed to finalize plans for early sanction and implementation.
Record Investment in Rail Infrastructure
Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu highlighted that average annual investment between 2009–14 was only Rs 225 crore. In contrast, the 2025–26 allocation of Rs 5,421 crore is 24 times higher, reflecting a major push in Punjab’s railway infrastructure. Since 2014, 382 km of new tracks have been laid, 1,634 km electrified, and 409 flyovers and underbridges constructed, making the state’s rail network fully electrified.