Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday shared state-wise allocations and details of major railway projects for Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh under the Railway Budget 2026–27. The information was presented during a virtual meeting from New Delhi, held in the presence of Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu.
The Railway Minister highlighted the unprecedented investment being made in railway infrastructure across these states and informed that a record capital expenditure of ₹2.93 lakh crore has been proposed for Indian Railways in the Union Budget 2026–27. He stated that this historic allocation focuses on high-speed connectivity, expansion of freight capacity, and enhanced passenger safety.
Vaishnaw said that Punjab has been allotted a record ₹5,673 crore in the Railway Budget, nearly 25 times higher than the average annual allocation during the UPA government’s tenure. He added that railway projects worth ₹26,382 crore are currently under progress in the state.
Under the Amrit Station Scheme, 30 railway stations in Punjab are being redeveloped. The state has also achieved 100 percent railway electrification, significantly improving operational efficiency, connectivity and environmental sustainability.
The Railway Minister informed that Haryana has been allocated ₹3,566 crore in the Railway Budget, with railway projects worth ₹12,000 crore at various stages of implementation. He noted that 100 percent railway electrification has been completed in the state and redevelopment work is underway at 34 railway stations.
He added that the introduction of Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains has substantially enhanced passenger convenience and connectivity in Haryana. Responding to a query, Vaishnaw stated that testing and related works for the hydrogen-powered train are currently underway in Haryana, and expressed confidence that the train would be inaugurated in the state in the near future.
Regarding Chandigarh, the Railway Minister said that the redevelopment of Chandigarh Railway Station is progressing at a fast pace. Nearly two years of work has been completed, and the remaining construction will be completed over the next three years. He clarified that an entirely new, modern railway station is being developed.
Vaishnaw stated that Himachal Pradesh has been allocated ₹2,911 crore in the Railway Budget, with projects worth ₹17,700 crore under progress at different stages. While work is advancing rapidly, he noted that some delays have occurred due to the state government not fulfilling certain commitments within stipulated timelines. He appealed to the Himachal Pradesh government to extend full cooperation for the timely completion of railway projects.
The Railway Minister also informed that ₹1,086 crore has been allocated for Jammu and Kashmir in the Railway Budget, which will further strengthen connectivity and accelerate development in the region.
Concluding the meeting, Vaishnaw reiterated that the Union Government is committed to transforming Indian Railways into a fast, safe, modern and environmentally sustainable transport system. He said that record budgetary allocations and new projects will enable Railways to play a decisive role in national development and in realising the vision of a Viksit Bharat.