New Vande Bharat Train to Connect Ferozepur with Delhi via Bathinda and Patiala
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also announces new Rajpura-Mohali rail link to boost connectivity with Chandigarh tricity; cabinet approval awaited for both projects.
A new Vande Bharat Express train is set to be launched soon, connecting Ferozepur in Punjab to New Delhi, with key stops along the way in Bathinda and Patiala. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a presentation alongside Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu, who hails from Punjab.
Ferozepur, a historic district near the India-Pakistan border, will now be linked more directly to the national capital through this high-speed semi-bullet train. The route is expected to boost connectivity for residents of Punjab’s heartland, making travel to Delhi faster and more convenient.
Though the exact launch date has not been confirmed, officials said the proposal has received in-principle clearance and will now move forward for cabinet approval. Once operational, this Vande Bharat route will significantly reduce travel time and provide a modern, efficient alternative to existing rail services on the corridor.
In another major infrastructure push for Punjab, Vaishnaw also announced the development of a new railway link between Rajpura and SAS Nagar (Mohali). This rail connection is expected to transform regional connectivity by linking central and southern Punjab more directly with the Chandigarh-Mohali-Panchkula tricity region. At present, many travelers from these areas face indirect and time-consuming routes to reach Chandigarh and its adjoining cities.
To complete the Rajpura-Mohali project, the Indian Railways will require around 54 hectares of land. The Punjab government has been tasked with acquiring and handing over this land for the project to proceed.
Both projects reflect the Centre’s renewed focus on improving rail infrastructure in Punjab, enhancing both inter-state and intra-state travel options. While the Ferozepur-New Delhi Vande Bharat will cater to long-distance passengers, the Rajpura-Mohali line aims to address regional commuting needs, especially for professionals, students, and healthcare seekers in the tricity area.
These announcements have been welcomed as long-awaited developments for the region, promising to bring both economic and social benefits through improved rail connectivity.