Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually dedicated the **5.9-km Kurukshetra Elevated Railway Track** to the nation on Friday, July 17, 2026. This significant infrastructure project, constructed at a cost of **Rs 447 crore**, marks a major milestone in urban connectivity by removing five major railway level crossings that previously caused chronic traffic delays for local commuters. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Railways and the Haryana Government.
Key highlights of the project include:
• Completion of a **5.9-km elevated rail corridor**.
• Total project investment of **Rs 447 crore**.
• Elimination of **five major level crossings** at Main Bazaar, Jhansa Road, Birla Mandir, LNJP Hospital, and Kurukshetra University.
• Inauguration of **Thanesar Railway Station**, officially recognized as India’s first elevated passenger railway station.
A Transformative Step for Kurukshetra
Local representatives, including Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal, described the infrastructure as a transformative development that fulfills a long-standing aspiration of the city’s residents. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini emphasized that the removal of these crossings will provide immediate relief to traffic flow, fostering a more seamless commute for both residents and pilgrims visiting the historic city.
Officials have also noted that the project extends beyond rail operations. There are active plans to utilize the land beneath the newly elevated tracks for public amenities such as **parks, parking facilities, and urban development projects**. The old surface-level tracks are slated to be removed to make way for these city-wide improvements.
Wider Development for Haryana
This inauguration was part of a larger developmental package for Haryana, valued at over **Rs 14,700 crore**. In addition to the elevated track, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a **Sikh Museum in Umri village**, which is estimated to cost **Rs 170 crore**. Furthermore, the event saw the historic flagging off of **India’s first hydrogen train**, which is set to operate on the route between **Jind and Sonepat**. This multifaceted approach reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing transport infrastructure while preserving local heritage.