Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, 17 July inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of infrastructure projects worth over ₹5,470 crore from Jalandhar, covering 75 redeveloped railway stations, two new train services, a new rail line, and National Highway works. The projects aim to strengthen connectivity, improve passenger convenience, and accelerate economic development across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.

75 Stations Redeveloped Under Amrit Bharat Scheme

The 75 redeveloped railway stations — including Jalandhar Cantonment — span 20 states and were developed at a cost of approximately ₹1,570 crore under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, described as one of the world's largest station redevelopment programmes. Built under the guiding principle of 'Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi' (Heritage as well as Development), the stations incorporate local cultural, heritage, and architectural elements alongside modern passenger amenities.

The redevelopment marks a significant milestone in the Indian Railways' push to modernise infrastructure while preserving regional identity — a model that railway officials say will be extended further in subsequent phases.

New Rail Line and Train Services Flagged Off

Modi also inaugurated the Daulatpur Chowk–Kartoli new rail line, built at a cost of approximately ₹830 crore as part of the Nangal Dam–Talwara–Mukerian New Rail Line Project. The line is expected to significantly strengthen rail connectivity between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, benefiting the districts of Hoshiarpur and Una.

The new line also provides rail access to key religious destinations, including Shri Anandpur Sahib and Maa Chintpurni Temple, while opening up faster and more reliable transportation to previously underserved remote areas.

Two train services were flagged off: the Kartoli–Ambala service, improving cross-state connectivity across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, and the Amritsar (Chheharta)–Varanasi service, establishing a direct rail link between two of India's most revered spiritual centres.

National Highway Projects Worth ₹3,070 Crore

On the road infrastructure front, Modi inaugurated the 30.9-km Package-6 of the four-lane greenfield Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway, designed to ease travel for heavy vehicles while reducing fuel consumption and vehicle operating costs. He also laid the foundation stone for the 25.2-km six-lane greenfield Southern Ludhiana Bypass, which will cut travel distance and time between Ludhiana and Bathinda while improving links to major economic centres. Together, the highway projects are valued at over ₹3,070 crore.

Meeting With Sant Niranjan Dass and Political Backdrop

Before the inaugurations, Modi met and interacted with Dera Sachkhand's head, Sant Niranjan Dass, and received his blessings — a meeting widely noted as an outreach to the Dalit community, which holds considerable electoral weight in Punjab. The state is due for assembly elections in early 2026. The Prime Minister also interacted with passengers onboard a train, a gesture that observers read as part of the broader public engagement surrounding the event.

The combination of large-scale infrastructure delivery and community outreach in a politically sensitive state underscores the dual purpose of the Jalandhar event — development optics and electoral groundwork ahead of a high-stakes Punjab poll.