Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the newly constructed Kartoli Railway Station from Jalandhar, Punjab, on July 17, 2026. This landmark event marks the fulfillment of a 79-year-old aspiration for the region, simultaneously launching the Daulatpur Chowk-Kartoli new rail line and flagging off the inaugural Kartoli-Ambala train service. The project is a major step toward enhancing connectivity between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, specifically catering to the Hoshiarpur and Una districts.
Key highlights of the new railway infrastructure include:
- Inauguration of the Daulatpur Chowk-Kartoli rail line, a vital segment of the Nangal Dam-Talwara-Mukerian project.
- Introduction of the Kartoli-Ambala City Express and the extension of the Delhi-Daulatpur Chowk Express to Kartoli.
- Total project investment of approximately 830 crore rupees for the new rail line.
- Development projects totaling over 5,470 crore rupees, including 75 redeveloped stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
Enhancing Connectivity and Regional Growth
The new rail services provide a significant boost to commuters in Punjab’s Talwara and Hajipur blocks, as well as Himachal Pradesh’s Jaswan-Pragpur and Fatehpur assembly constituencies. Beyond daily travel, the route offers improved access to major religious destinations, including Shri Anandpur Sahib and the Maa Chintpurni Temple.
During the event in Jalandhar, where he was joined by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s dedication to improving the lives of the common man. He highlighted that Indian Railways remains a lifeline for the middle class and the poor, serving as a primary engine for national growth. The Kartoli Railway Station, being the first on the Nangal-Talwara-Mukerian broad-gauge line, is expected to serve as a catalyst for the economic and industrial transformation of the Kandi region.
A Broader Vision for Indian Railways
This inauguration was part of a larger push for nationwide infrastructure development. Alongside the Kartoli project, the Prime Minister laid foundation stones and inaugurated various road and rail projects across the country. The inclusion of 75 redeveloped railway stations across 20 states under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing the passenger experience. For the residents of Kartoli, this station represents more than just a transit point; it is a gateway to new opportunities and long-awaited regional prosperity.