Chandigarh, February 10, 2026 — In a significant development for Punjab’s transportation infrastructure, the Government of India has approved a key railway bypass project that promises to strengthen logistics capacity and support future rail traffic growth across the state.
Central Government Gives Big Gift to Punjab
The Ministry of Railways has given the green signal for the construction of the Rajpura-Baiypass Line, providing a major boost to Punjab’s rail network. The approval comes after the Railway Board’s recommendation and nod from Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The project will be executed at an estimated cost of ₹411.96 crore and overseen by the Ministry of Railways.
Details of the Project
Under this initiative, a 13.46-kilometer railway bypass line will be constructed to connect the New Shambhu Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) station with the existing Rajpura-Bathinda line at Kauli station. This new bypass is aimed at easing congestion at the Rajpura rail yard, which currently handles a heavy load of rail traffic and operates close to full capacity.
According to rail officials, the bypass will help divert traffic away from Rajpura yard, enabling smoother movement of both passenger and freight trains. This will not only enhance operational efficiency but also lead to faster and more reliable rail services throughout the region.
Why It Matters
Punjab’s rail corridors are among the busiest in the Northern Railway network. The lack of additional capacity has been a long-standing issue that threatened future growth as rail traffic expands. If left unaddressed, congestion could lead to severe delays and reduced efficiency. The new bypass line is part of the broader “Umbrella Work 2025-26” initiative — an Indian Railways plan to strengthen rail infrastructure nationwide to meet increasing demand.
Benefits for the Region
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Decongestion of major rail yards like Rajpura.
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Faster transit times for freight and passenger services.
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Improved connectivity for Punjab’s industrial and commercial sectors.
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Boost to economic growth and job opportunities as smoother logistics attract investment.
This project is expected to have long-term benefits for trade and overall rail capacity expansion within North India’s critical rail arteries.
