Government Greenlights Long-Pending Qadian-Beas Railway Project Worth Rs 1,400 Crore

The long-pending Qadian-Beas railway line project in Punjab has been revived nearly a century after it was first proposed, marking a significant step towards strengthening the state's transport infrastructure. Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu announced the revival on Thursday, stating that the project is expected to improve connectivity and accelerate regional development across the border state.

The proposed railway line will span 39.68 kilometres, linking Qadian in Gurdaspur district with Beas in Amritsar district. The project is estimated to cost around Rs 1,400 crore and is expected to provide a direct rail connection between the two regions, benefiting passengers as well as freight movement. The revival ends decades of uncertainty surrounding a proposal that remained on paper for nearly 100 years.

According to the minister, the railway line is expected to enhance mobility for residents, reduce travel time and improve access to key religious, educational and commercial centres in the region. Better rail connectivity is also likely to support local businesses, agriculture and small industries by providing a more efficient transportation network.

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The project forms part of the government's broader efforts to modernise railway infrastructure and expand connectivity across underserved areas. Improved rail links are expected to boost economic activity by facilitating the movement of goods and encouraging investment in districts connected by the new line. The development is also expected to generate employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases.

Qadian, a historically significant town in Gurdaspur district, attracts visitors from across India and abroad due to its religious importance, while Beas serves as an important railway junction and a major transit point in Punjab. Connecting the two locations is expected to improve accessibility for travellers and strengthen the state's overall transportation network.

The revival of the Qadian-Beas railway line represents one of Punjab's major infrastructure initiatives in recent years. With an estimated investment of Rs 1,400 crore and a long-awaited implementation after nearly a century, the project is expected to contribute to regional development, improve connectivity and support economic growth while reinforcing the state's railway infrastructure for future generations.

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