Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, in the presence of Minister of State for Railways Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu, today shared details of the state-wise allocations and major projects for Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh under the Railway Budget 2026–27 through a virtual meeting from New Delhi.
The meeting laid special emphasis on the unprecedented investment being made in railway infrastructure across these states. The Railway Minister informed that a record capital expenditure (CapEx) of ₹2.93 lakh crore has been proposed for Indian Railways in the Union Budget 2026–27.
He stated that the principal focus of this historic allocation is on high-speed connectivity, expansion of freight transportation capacity, and passenger safety. Sh Vaishnaw said that in the current financial year, Punjab has been allotted a record ₹5,673 crore in the Railway Budget, which is nearly 25 times higher than the average allocation during the tenure of the UPA government.
He added that railway-related works worth ₹26,382 crore are currently under progress in the state. Under the Amrit Station Scheme, 30 railway stations are being renovated. Alongside this, Punjab has achieved 100 percent railway electrification, leading to significant improvement in operational efficiency, connectivity, and environmental sustainability.
The Railway Minister stated that Haryana has been allotted a record ₹3,566 crore in the Railway Budget. Railway projects worth ₹12,000 crore are at various stages of progress in the state. He said that 100 percent railway electrification has been completed in Haryana and renovation work is underway at 34 railway stations.
The introduction of Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains has led to a major enhancement in passenger convenience and connectivity in the state. In response to a question, Sh Vaishnaw informed that testing of the hydrogen train and related works are ongoing in Haryana, and he expressed hope that the hydrogen-powered train would be inaugurated in the state soon.
With regard to Chandigarh, the Railway Minister said that the redevelopment work of Chandigarh Railway Station is progressing at a rapid pace. Approximately two years of work have been completed so far, and the remaining work will be completed over the next three years.
He clarified that an entirely new and modern railway station is being constructed in Chandigarh. Sh Vaishnaw stated that Himachal Pradesh has been allocated ₹2,911 crore in the Railway Budget, and railway projects worth ₹17,700 crore are under progress at various stages in the state.
He said that work is moving ahead swiftly; however, delays have occurred in some projects due to the state government not fulfilling certain commitments within the stipulated timelines. The Railway Minister appealed to the Himachal Pradesh government to extend cooperation for the smooth implementation of railway projects.
The Railway Minister also informed that ₹1,086 crore has been allocated in the Railway Budget for Jammu and Kashmir, which will further strengthen connectivity and development in the region. Concluding the meeting, Sh Vaishnaw reiterated that the objective of the Union Government is to develop Indian Railways into a fast, safe, modern, and environmentally sustainable transportation system.
He said that through record budgetary allocations and new projects, the Railways will play a decisive role in national development and in realising the vision of a “Viksit Bharat”. At the office of the Divisional Railway Manager in Ambala, was also attended by Ambala Divisional Railway Manager Sh Vinod Bhatia and Sh Naveen Kumar Jha, Senior DCM along with Journalists.