Punjab's railway infrastructure is set for a significant boost, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announcing an allocation of ₹5,421 crore for the state. This substantial investment aims to strengthen the existing rail network and enhance passenger facilities, with a particular focus on upgrading 30 stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
The allocated funds represent a 24-fold increase compared to the average annual allocation of ₹225 crore that Punjab received between 2009 and 2014. This surge in investment underscores the government's commitment to modernizing and expanding Punjab's railway infrastructure.
A significant portion of the allocated funds, ₹1,122 crore, will be dedicated to the redevelopment of 30 Amrit stations across Punjab. These stations are being upgraded to provide modern amenities and improved passenger services. Some of the stations included in the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme in Punjab are Abohar, Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, Beas, Bathinda, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar Cantt, Mansa and Malerkotla.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a broader initiative by the Ministry of Railways to redevelop 1,318 stations across India. The scheme aims to continuously improve station facilities with a long-term vision. This includes improving station access, circulating areas, waiting halls, and toilet facilities. The scheme also focuses on installing necessary lifts and escalators, ensuring cleanliness, providing free Wi-Fi, and setting up kiosks for local products. Better passenger information systems, executive lounges, designated spaces for business meetings, and landscaping are also planned. The scheme also envisions better integration of the station with both sides of the city, promoting multi-modal connectivity, and providing facilities for persons with disabilities.
In addition to the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, the allocated funds will be used to improve railway safety and expand the rail network in Punjab. This includes upgrading old railway tracks and strengthening the KAVACH safety system. Since 2014, 382 km of new railway tracks have been laid in Punjab.
Several railway projects are currently underway in Punjab, with varying degrees of progress. The Rajpura-Bathinda railway line is fully completed, while the Ludhiana-Mullanpur and Nangal Dam-Talwara projects are nearing completion. However, some critical projects, such as Ferozepur-Patti, Rajpura-Mohali, and Qadian-Beas, have seen minimal progress. As of April 1, 2025, twelve projects, including six new lines and six doubling projects, are in planning, approval, or construction stages, costing ₹19,843 crore. Of these, 255 km of track has been commissioned, with an expenditure of ₹7,590 crore until March 2024.
It's important to note that some railway projects in Punjab have faced delays due to land acquisition issues. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has attributed these delays to the AAP-led Punjab government, citing delays in land acquisition.
The development of railway infrastructure in Punjab is expected to have a positive impact on the state's economy. Improved connectivity and transportation will boost trade, facilitate economic growth, and enhance passenger and freight services.
