In a major boost to rail connectivity in Northern India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the new Kartoli Railway Station in Punjab on July 17, 2026. Alongside the station launch, the railway authorities extended the popular Delhi-Daulatpur Chowk Express to Kartoli, providing residents of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab with seamless access to the national capital. This development, which also saw the launch of the new Kartoli-Ambala City Express, is set to drive economic growth and tourism in the region.
- Delhi-Kartoli Express (14053) now departs Delhi at 10:50 PM, reaching Kartoli at 7:50 AM.
- Kartoli-Delhi Express (14054) departs Kartoli at 8:55 PM, arriving in Delhi at 5:00 AM.
- The new Kartoli-Ambala City Express (14501/14502) provides a daily link between the two cities.
- Kartoli station is developed under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme with modern amenities.
Enhanced Connectivity and New Schedules
The extension of the Delhi-Daulatpur Chowk service is a significant milestone for commuters. The 14053 Delhi-Kartoli Express ensures a comfortable overnight journey, while the return 14054 service offers a convenient late-evening departure from Kartoli. Additionally, the new daily 14501/14502 Kartoli-Ambala City Express bridges a critical gap for local travelers. The train departs Kartoli at 8:30 AM to reach Ambala City by 12:55 PM, and the return leg leaves Ambala City at 4:15 PM, reaching Kartoli at 8:25 PM, with key halts including Una Himachal, Nangal Dam, and Anandpur Sahib.
Regional Impact and Future Expansion
This infrastructure project is expected to transform connectivity for residents in Talwara, Hajipur, Jaswan-Pragpur, and Fatehpur. By linking these areas to Delhi and other major hubs, the Ministry of Railways aims to stimulate trade, tourism, and employment opportunities. Member of Parliament Anurag Singh Thakur lauded the initiative, noting the importance of this development for regional integration.
As the first station on the Nangal-Talwara-Mukerian broad-gauge rail line, Kartoli serves as a vital gateway. Looking ahead, the government has ambitious plans to extend this rail line further to Pathankot, which will eventually integrate the region into the broader Jammu rail network, further strengthening the connectivity map of North India.