New Delhi: The Ministry of Railways has approved the Final Location Survey (FLS) for the construction of a new bypass railway line between Kauli and Sarai Banjara in Punjab, aimed at decongesting the busy Rajpura railway station.

As per an official communication issued by the Railway Board on February 25, 2026, the survey has been sanctioned for a 16-km-long bypass line connecting Kauli to Sarai Banjara, bypassing Rajpura station. The estimated cost of the survey is ₹48 lakh and will be charged to the relevant railway policy and survey head.

Welcoming the decision, Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, said, “The Ministry of Railways has officially approved the Final Location Survey (FLS) for the construction of a new bypass line connecting Kauli to Sarai Banjara, designed to bypass Rajpura railway station.

This strategic development will deliver substantial benefits to rail operations in the region. Trains running between Patiala and Ludhiana will no longer be required to enter Rajpura station, resulting in reduced travel times and alleviated congestion. The bypass will also provide a seamless, direct connection to the already sanctioned Rajpura–Mohali railway line, further enhancing regional connectivity and efficiency.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening the railway infrastructure of Punjab, ensuring faster, smoother, and more reliable services for passengers and freight alike.”

Railway officials stated that the proposed bypass is expected to significantly streamline train movements in the Patiala–Ludhiana section by reducing operational bottlenecks at Rajpura. The direct linkage with the sanctioned Rajpura–Mohali line is also anticipated to improve network integration and boost overall efficiency in the region.

The FLS is a crucial step in the project lifecycle, involving detailed alignment planning, technical feasibility assessment, and cost estimation before the project moves to the execution stage. DeshBharat