The much-anticipated Delhi-Jammu railway corridor, spanning approximately 600 kilometers, has taken a significant step forward as the process of land acquisition officially begins in Punjab, along with neighbouring Haryana. This transformative project, aimed at enhancing interstate connectivity, is expected to boost regional economies and modernize railway infrastructure across North India.
The Indian Railways has already completed an alignment survey, with the Final Survey Layout (FSL) report submitted to the Ambala Divisional Railway Manager (DRM). The proposed railway line will pass through Haryana and Punjab, drastically improving transportation between Delhi, Ambala, Jalandhar, and Jammu, while reducing travel time and easing congestion on existing routes.
As part of this multi-billion-dollar infrastructure initiative, Indian Railways will acquire thousands of acres of land — a move that is expected to cause a significant increase in land values along the railway corridor.
The final approval for land acquisition and construction will come from the Railway Board, but preparatory proceedings have already begun, with the government officials and railway authorities working closely to expedite the process.
The survey for the railway alignment was entrusted to a Pune-based company, renowned for its expertise in railway infrastructure projects. The company commenced its work in April 2024, conducting the survey in three phases — first from Delhi to Ambala, then from Ambala to Jalandhar, and finally from Jalandhar to Jammu.
The findings have been submitted to the railway divisions in Delhi, Ambala, and Jalandhar, allowing each division to oversee the construction of its respective 200-kilometer segment.
The new railway line is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening passenger and freight transport between North India and Jammu and Kashmir. By providing an alternative to road transport, the project aims to significantly reduce travel time while facilitating seamless trade and movement of goods.
Additionally, the railway corridor is poised to drive economic development by stimulating urbanization and commercial activity along its route. The demand for real estate is anticipated to surge, benefiting landowners, investors, and local businesses.
The project will also generate employment opportunities during its construction phase and in the long term, as the operational railway will require a robust workforce for maintenance, logistics, and station management.
With land acquisition now in progress, the next critical steps involve negotiations for compensation with affected landowners, followed by final approvals from the Railway Board. Once these formalities are completed, the government will move towards tendering and selecting contractors for construction.
Given the scale and significance of the project, authorities are expected to implement it in phased sections, ensuring efficient execution and minimal disruption to existing infrastructure. Upon completion, the Delhi-Jammu railway line will not only revolutionize rail connectivity in the region but also act as a catalyst for economic integration, infrastructure modernization, and sustainable development in Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir.
