The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Northern Circle, has officially cleared the new 10.55 km Daulatpur Chowk-Kartoli rail section for train operations. This electrified track marks a major milestone in strengthening the rail network between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The Ambala Railway Division will oversee this route which recently passed rigorous safety and speed trials to ensure passenger security.
Key features and technical details of the project
The project involved an investment of around 677 crore and includes a 7.80 km long mega viaduct, which is one of the longest rail viaducts in North India. During the final inspection, the CRS team evaluated the track, signaling systems, and overhead electrification managed by IC Electricals. While the high-speed trial reached 121 km/h with an electric locomotive, the initial operational speed for trains is set at 75 km/h for safety reasons, with a limit of 15 km/h at turnouts.
Timeline and impact of the new rail connectivity
- March 13, 2026: PIB announced the completion of the 10.5 km section.
- March 25, 2026: Successful high-speed trial conducted at 110 km/h by railway officials.
- March 27-28, 2026: Intensive inspection of bridges and tracks by the CRS team.
- April 3, 2026: Final approval granted for regular train services.
The new Kartoli railway station is being developed under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to provide modern amenities. This route is expected to boost local trade and tourism while providing a direct rail link for residents in the border areas. The final report will be submitted to the Railway Board to start passenger train operations soon.