Mohali: The Centre has asked the ministry of railways and the Punjab govt to expedite work on the Rajpura Bypass railway line and the Mohali-Rajpura new railway line, two key projects aimed at easing rail congestion and improving connectivity between the Malwa region and Chandigarh.The Centre has also sought a detailed progress report on land acquisition and other preliminary activities so that construction can begin without delay. Land acquisition is already under way for both projects, with railway officials and the state govt working to complete administrative formalities and transfer possession of the required land.In Mohali district, land acquisition notifications have been issued for around 17.72 hectares along a nearly 5-km stretch of the proposed alignment. The land falls in Gobindgarh, Saneta and Dhelpur villages, while the SDM, Mohali, has been appointed as the competent authority for land acquisition.In Patiala district, which accounts for the largest portion of the alignment, acquisition is under way for an around 8-km stretch. Officials said the Centre is closely monitoring the two projects because of their importance in strengthening the Northern Railway network and improving passenger as well as freight operations.The Rajpura Bypass will divert traffic away from the congested Rajpura railway yard, while the Mohali-Rajpura line will provide a direct rail link towards Chandigarh, avoiding the present detour through Ambala and reducing travel distance.Railway authorities and the Punjab govt are coordinating to resolve pending land possession issues so that civil works can start at the earliest. As per the current schedule, the railway line is targeted for completion by mid-2028, subject to timely completion of land acquisition and construction.
