The proposed railway line will connect Qadian in Gurdaspur district to Beas in Amritsar district. The new broad-gauge corridor will span 39.68 kilometres with an estimated cost of about ₹1,400 crore. Northern Railway will oversee the execution of this vital infrastructure project.
The alignment of the railway will pass through key towns including Qadian, Dhapai, Ghuman, Butala, Sathiala, and finally Beas. This new link will bring several areas of the Majha belt onto the railway network, greatly enhancing local connectivity and mobility.
The project will feature modern railway infrastructure, comprising two crossing stations at Ghuman and Butala, eleven major bridges, 121 minor bridges, and 54 Road Under Bridges (RUBs). It will also be equipped with advanced signalling and telecommunication systems along with the deployment of Kavach, India’s indigenous train collision avoidance system.
Historically, the Qadian–Beas rail link dates back to the British era. It was first approved by the North-Western Railway in 1928–29, and substantial construction had occurred by the early 1930s. However, the project was subsequently discontinued due to changing priorities. Under the Socially Desirable Rail Connectivity Programme, it was re-included in the supplementary Railway Budget 2010–11.
After years of delays and procedural challenges, the project has now been reactivated with a revised detailed estimate of approximately ₹1,400 crore. Beyond improving regional connectivity, this rail line will serve as a strategic alternative corridor to the crucial Amritsar–Pathankot section during emergencies, thereby enhancing the resilience of northern India’s railway operations.
According to Shri Ravneet Singh, the new railway line will create significant economic opportunities by improving market access for farmers, facilitating efficient transportation of agricultural produce, encouraging trade and small-scale industries, generating jobs during construction and operation, and driving investment across the Majha region.
The project also promises to boost religious tourism by improving access to important spiritual sites such as Qadian—the birthplace of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Dera Baba Jaimal Singh in Beas, Sri Darbar Sahib, Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdwara Achal Sahib, Gurdwara Bhagat Namdev Ji in Ghuman, Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi Panjavi, Burj Sahib, Gurdwara Baba Raja Ram Ji, Pandori Dham, Ram Sharnam Temple, Shirdi Sai Temple, and sites in Gurdaspur.
Shri Ravneet Singh congratulated residents of Qadian, Beas, Ghuman, Butala, Sathiala, and the entire Majha region on the revival of this historic project and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to secure all necessary approvals and ensure timely implementation.
