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Punjab's Kauli-Sarai Banjara Rail Bypass Approved to Cut Travel Time

Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu has welcomed the approval of the Final Location Survey for a new railway bypass line connecting Kauli to Sarai Banjara in Punjab. The project is designed to bypass Rajpura station, reducing travel times and alleviating congestion for trains between Patiala and Ludhiana. It will also seamlessly connect to the already sanctioned Rajpura-Mohali railway line, enhancing regional connectivity. This initiative is part of a broader surge in railway infrastructure investment in the state.

Key Points: Kauli-Sarai Banjara Rail Bypass Approved in Punjab

  • Bypass to connect Kauli to Sarai Banjara
  • Will reduce travel time and congestion
  • Provides direct link to Rajpura-Mohali line
  • Part of major railway infra push in Punjab
  • Follows earlier approval of Rajpura-Mohali line
2 min read

Punjab: Union MoS for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu hails approval of FLS for Kauli-Sarai Banjara bypass

Union MoS Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu hails FLS approval for new bypass line to reduce congestion and improve Punjab's rail connectivity.

"This strategic development will deliver substantial benefits to rail operations in the region. - Ravneet Singh Bittu"

New Delhi, February 25

Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu on Wednesday welcomed the approval of the Final Location Survey for the proposed bypass line connecting Kauli to Sarai Banjara in Punjab, stating that the project will significantly strengthen the state's railway infrastructure.

Bittu said that the initiative by the Ministry of Railways will provide "substantial benefits" to Punjab's rail operations. He added that the bypass, which will directly connect the Rajpura-Mohali railway line, will significantly reduce travel time and congestion will be reduced.

In a post on X, the Union Minister wrote, "The Ministry of Railways has officially approved the Final Location Survey (FLS) for the construction of a new bypass line connecting Kauli to Sarai Banjara, designed to bypass Rajpura railway station. This strategic development will deliver substantial benefits to rail operations in the region. Trains running between Patiala and Ludhiana will no longer be required to enter Rajpura station, resulting in reduced travel times and alleviated congestion."

He further noted that the bypass will offer a seamless and direct connection to the already sanctioned Rajpura-Mohali railway line, thereby enhancing regional connectivity and operational efficiency.

"The bypass will also provide a seamless, direct connection to the already sanctioned Rajpura-Mohali railway line, further enhancing regional connectivity and efficiency. This initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening the railway infrastructure of Punjab, ensuring faster, smoother, and more reliable services for passengers and freight alike," he added.

Earlier, in September 2025, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had announced the construction of the 18-km-long Rajpura-Mohali railway line in Punjab at an estimated cost of Rs 443 crore. He had also proposed a new Vande Bharat train service connecting Firozpur Cantt, Bhatinda, Patiala and Delhi.

Vaishnaw had highlighted a significant rise in railway investment in Punjab from Rs 225 crore during 2009-14 to Rs 5,421 crore now. He expressed special thanks to MoS Ravneet Bittu and said the minister deserves full credit for the project's development.

The Union Cabinet has approved infrastructure projects worth nearly Rs 13 lakh crore since June 2024, covering railways, highways, metro connectivity, airports, ports and ropeways.

According to official data, 49 railway projects Rs 1,80,164 crore have been cleared during this period. In the road sector, 27 highway projects worth Rs 2,39,748 crore have been approved. Urban transport has also received a boost, with 10 metro projects sanctioned at a cost of Rs 1,31,237 crore.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Good to see infrastructure investment in the region. The direct connection to the Rajpura-Mohali line sounds promising for operational efficiency. Hope the benefits reach the common passenger soon.
A
Anjali F
While new projects are welcome, I hope the focus is also on maintaining existing tracks and improving passenger amenities. Sometimes new announcements are made but current services remain poor. Just my two paise.
M
Manish T
The jump in railway investment from ₹225 crore to over ₹5,400 crore is massive! If executed well, this can truly transform Punjab's transport landscape. Kudos to the team. 🚄
K
Karthik V
As someone who travels frequently on this route for business, any reduction in travel time is a big win. Looking forward to smoother journeys. Hope the Vande Bharat service for Firozpur-Delhi also materializes quickly.
P
Priya S
Better rail infrastructure is always welcome. It will help farmers and businesses move goods faster. Hope the environmental impact and land acquisition for the bypass are handled sensitively for the local communities.

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