Massive Infrastructure Push: PM Modi Unveils ₹5,470 Crore Projects in Jalandhar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of rail and road infrastructure projects worth ₹5,470 crore in Jalandhar, Punjab. The projects are aimed at strengthening connectivity, improving passenger convenience, and accelerating economic development in the region.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Mr. Modi inaugurated 75 redeveloped railway stations across 20 states, developed at a cost of about ₹1,570 crore. These stations now feature modern, passenger-friendly facilities and incorporate local cultural and architectural elements. Four of these stations are in Punjab: Jalandhar Cantonment, S A S Nagar (Mohali), Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Sri Anandpur Sahib.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Daulatpur Chowk-Kartoli new rail line, constructed at about ₹830 crore as part of the Nangal Dam-Talwara-Mukerian New Rail Line Project. This line will significantly strengthen rail connectivity between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, benefiting the districts of Hoshiarpur and Una, and providing access to religious destinations such as Shri Anandpur Sahib and Maa Chintpurni Temple.
Mr. Modi flagged off the Kartoli-Ambala train service, which will improve connectivity across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. He also flagged off the Amritsar (Chheharta)-Varanasi Sant Ravidas Express, establishing a direct rail link between two spiritual and cultural centres. This service addresses a longstanding demand of the Ravidassia community in Punjab, especially ahead of Guru Ravidas's 650th Parkash Purab celebrations at his birthplace in Varanasi.
In addition, Mr. Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of national highway projects worth over ₹3,070 crore. He inaugurated the 30.9-km-long 'Package 6' of the four-lane greenfield Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, designed to facilitate easier and faster travel, particularly for heavy vehicles, while reducing fuel consumption and operating costs. The foundation stone was also laid for the 25.2-km-long six-lane greenfield Southern Ludhiana Bypass, which will reduce travel distance and time between Ludhiana and Bathinda and improve connectivity to major economic centres.
This is Mr. Modi's second visit to Jalandhar this year, following his visit to the Dera Sachkhand Ballan in February. During the event, he was seen with Dera chief Niranjan Dass at the Jalandhar Cantt railway station.
