Budget 2026: Northern Railways Hits Jackpot with Record Outlay for Punjab, Haryana, and HP.

Railway development across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh received a major boost under the Union Budget, with record allocations aimed at enhancing connectivity, modernising infrastructure, and improving passenger safety.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, accompanied by Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, shared state-wise allocations and project updates during a virtual meeting from New Delhi recently. He announced that the Indian Railways has been earmarked a historic capital expenditure of ₹2.93 lakh crore, focusing on high-speed connectivity, expanded freight capacity, and enhanced passenger safety.

Punjab received a record allocation of ₹5,673 crore for the current financial year — nearly 25 times higher than the average allocation during the previous UPA tenure. Railway projects worth ₹26,382 crore are currently underway in the state. Under the Amrit Station Scheme, 30 stations are being redeveloped, and Punjab has achieved 100 per cent railway electrification, boosting operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Haryana was allotted ₹3,566 crore, with projects worth ₹12,000 crore underway. The state has also achieved 100 per cent electrification, and redevelopment is in progress at 34 stations. Vaishnaw added that testing of India’s hydrogen-powered train is underway in Haryana and is expected to be inaugurated soon.

In Chandigarh, redevelopment of the railway station is progressing rapidly. About two years of work have already been completed, with the remaining construction expected to be finished within the next three years.

Himachal Pradesh received ₹2,911 crore, with railway projects worth ₹17,700 crore currently in progress. While work is advancing steadily, the minister noted some delays due to pending commitments from the state government and urged cooperation for timely completion.

Additionally, ₹1,086 crore has been allocated for railway development in Jammu and Kashmir to further strengthen regional connectivity.

The allocations and ongoing projects underscore the government’s focus on modernising rail infrastructure, expanding high-speed and freight corridors, and improving passenger amenities across northern India.