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Updated Jul 17, 2026 · 17:35
Punjab News Updated Jul 17, 2026

PM Modi Launches 75 Redeveloped Railway Stations, Boosts Connectivity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 75 redeveloped railway stations across 20 states under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, costing Rs 1,570 crore. He also launched the Daulatpur Chowk-Kartoli rail line and two new train services, including the Amritsar-Varanasi link. Additionally, highway projects worth Rs 3,070 crore were inaugurated, including a section of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. The initiatives aim to boost connectivity, passenger convenience, and economic development.

PM Modi launches 75 redeveloped rail stations from Jalandhar

Jalandhar, July 17

In a major push to rail and road infrastructure projects, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of projects worth over Rs 5,470 crore, aimed at strengthening connectivity, improving passenger convenience and accelerating economic development, besides connecting India's most revered spiritual and cultural centres.

Before inaugurating 75 redeveloped railway stations and launching two trains, PM Modi met and interacted with Dera Sachkhand's dera's head, Sant Niranjan Dass, marking an outreach to the Dalit community, particularly in Punjab where elections are due in early next year, besides interacting with passengers onboard a train.

PM Modi also received the blessings of Sant Niranjan Dass, a significant meeting.

The inaugurated redeveloped railway stations, including Jalandhar Cantonment, across 20 states marked a milestone under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, one of the world's largest station redevelopment programmes.

Developed at a cost of about Rs 1,570 crore, these stations have been transformed into modern, passenger-friendly facilities. Redeveloped in the spirit of 'Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi', the stations incorporate elements reflecting local culture, heritage and architecture.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Daulatpur Chowk-Kartoli new rail line, constructed at a cost of about Rs 830 crore as part of the Nangal Dam-Talwara-Mukerian New Rail Line Project. It will significantly strengthen rail connectivity between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, benefiting the districts of Hoshiarpur and Una.

The new rail line will provide connectivity to important religious destinations such as Shri Anandpur Sahib and Maa Chintpurni Temple, while enhancing access to remote areas by providing passengers with a faster, safer and more reliable mode of transportation.

The PM also flagged off the Kartoli-Ambala train service from here, which will improve connectivity across Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. The Prime Minister also flagged off the Amritsar (Chheharta)-Varanasi train service, establishing a direct rail link between two of India's most revered spiritual and cultural centres.

Further strengthening road infrastructure in Punjab, the Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of National Highway projects worth over Rs 3,070 crore.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the 30.9-km-long Package-6 of the four-lane greenfield Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. The section will facilitate easier and faster travel, particularly for heavy vehicles, while reducing fuel consumption and vehicle operating costs.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the development of the 25.2-km-long six-lane greenfield Southern Ludhiana Bypass. The project will reduce travel distance and time between Ludhiana and Bathinda, while also improving connectivity to other major economic centres.

— IANS

Reader Comments

Priya S

Good to see infrastructure development, but why is every project linked to elections? The meeting with Sant Niranjan Dass seems like pure politics, especially with Punjab polls coming up. Let's have development without the political drama. Hope the new lines actually improve train punctuality in Punjab! 😤

Vikram M

As a daily commuter between Hoshiarpur and Una, this new Daulatpur Chowk-Kartoli line is a game-changer! No more hour-long bus rides on bumpy roads. And connecting to Maa Chintpurni Temple is a blessing for devotees. The government deserves credit for focusing on regional connectivity. Well done, Modi ji! 👏

Sarah B

Impressive numbers—₹5,470 crore! But redeveloping stations is just half the battle. The real test is maintenance and cleanliness. I've seen too many "modern" stations fall into disrepair within months. Hope the Amrit Bharat Scheme includes a proper upkeep plan. The Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway will be a boon for truckers though. 🚛

Rohit P

"Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi"—love this concept! Our stations should reflect our culture. Jalandhar Cantonment looks stunning with that blend of heritage and modernity. The Southern Ludhiana Bypass will save me at least 30 minutes daily on my commute to Bathinda. Infrastructure is finally catching up with our aspirations! 🇮🇳✨

Kavya N

I'm happy about the new trains but disappointed

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