Chandigarh: Railway development across Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh received a significant boost under the Union Budget, with record allocations aimed at strengthening connectivity, modernising infrastructure and improving passenger safety.Union minister for railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in the presence of minister of state for railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, shared state-wise allocations and project updates during a virtual meeting held from New Delhi on Sunday. Vaishnaw announced that railways were earmarked a historic capital expenditure of Rs 2.93 lakh crore. He said the focus is on high-speed connectivity, expansion of freight capacity, and enhanced passenger safety. For Punjab, a record Rs 5,673 crore was allocated this financial year — nearly 25 times higher than the average allocation during the previous UPA tenure, he said. Railway projects worth Rs 26,382 crore are currently under execution in the state. Under the Amrit Station Scheme, 30 stations in Punjab are being redeveloped. The state also achieved 100% railway electrification, improving operational efficiency, connectivity and environmental sustainability. Haryana was allotted Rs 3,566 crore, with projects worth Rs 12,000 crore underway at various stages. The minister said 100% electrification was completed in Haryana as well, while redevelopment work is in progress at 34 railway stations. Responding to a query, Vaishnaw said testing of India’s hydrogen-powered train is currently under way in Haryana and expressed hope that it would be inaugurated soon. Regarding Chandigarh, he said redevelopment of Chandigarh railway station is progressing rapidly. Around two years of work has already completed, and the remaining construction is expected to be finished over the next three years. Himachal Pradesh was allocated Rs 2,911 crore, with railway projects worth Rs 17,700 crore in progress. While work is advancing swiftly, the Minister noted that some delays occurred due to pending commitments from the state govt and urged cooperation for timely completion. Additionally, Rs 1,086 crore was allocated for railway development in Jammu and Kashmir to further strengthen regional connectivity. MSID:: 127864386 413 |
