New Delhi: In a major boost to connectivity and economic development in Punjab’s Majha region, the Union Government has revived the long-pending Qadian–Beas railway line project, nearly a century after it was first conceived during the British era.
Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh announced the decision while addressing the media at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday.
The proposed railway line will span 39.68 kilometres and will be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹1,400 crore. The project will be executed by Northern Railway and is expected to be completed within three years.
Speaking about the initiative, Ravneet Singh said the new rail link would significantly strengthen the region’s economy, enhance religious tourism and accelerate overall development in the Majha belt.
The railway line will connect Qadian in Gurdaspur district with Beas and pass through key towns and villages, including Dhapai, Ghuman, Butala and Sathiala. The project is expected to bring several currently underserved areas onto the railway network, improving transportation facilities and accessibility for local residents.
According to railway officials, the project includes the construction of two crossing stations at Ghuman and Butala, 11 major bridges, 121 minor bridges, 54 Road Under Bridges (RUBs), advanced signalling and telecommunication systems, and the implementation of the indigenous Kavach safety system.
Highlighting the historical significance of the project, the minister said the Qadian–Beas rail link was originally approved by the then North-Western Railway in 1928-29. Construction work had progressed substantially during the early 1930s but was eventually halted due to changing priorities.
The project was later revived in 2010-11 under the Socially Desirable Rail Connectivity Programme and included in the supplementary Railway Budget. However, procedural delays and administrative hurdles prevented its execution for several years.
With the latest approval and revised cost estimate, the project has now formally moved forward.
Apart from improving local connectivity, the rail corridor is expected to play an important strategic role by providing an alternative route to the crucial Amritsar–Pathankot railway section during emergencies and operational disruptions, strengthening railway resilience in northern India.
The new line is also expected to generate significant economic benefits by improving market access for farmers, facilitating faster transportation of agricultural produce, promoting trade and small-scale industries, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases.
Religious tourism is likely to receive a major boost as the railway line will improve access to several important spiritual and religious destinations. These include Qadian, the birthplace of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community; Dera Baba Jaimal Singh in Beas; Sri Darbar Sahib; Dera Baba Nanak; Gurdwara Achal Sahib; Gurdwara Bhagat Namdev Ji at Ghuman; Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi Panjavi; Burj Sahib; Gurdwara Baba Raja Ram Ji; Pandori Dham; Ram Sharnam Temple; and Shirdi Sai Temple in Gurdaspur.
Officials believe the enhanced rail connectivity will encourage a greater influx of pilgrims and tourists from across India and abroad, providing a significant boost to the local economy and hospitality sector.
The revival of the Qadian–Beas railway line marks the end of decades of uncertainty surrounding the project and is being viewed as one of the most significant railway infrastructure developments for Punjab’s Majha region in recent years.
