Infrastructure – Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway Launch to Transform Regional Connectivity
Infrastructure –Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to dedicate key sections of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway to the nation on Friday, marking a significant milestone in India’s expanding road infrastructure network. The newly completed stretches are expected to dramatically reduce travel durations, bringing the journey from Delhi to Katra down from nearly 14 hours to around six hours. Travel between Delhi and Amritsar is also projected to be cut by half, decreasing from about eight hours to roughly four hours.
Major Expressway Sections Ready for Public Use
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi will inaugurate the first five packages of the Greenfield expressway during his visit to Jind in Haryana. These four-lane sections cover nearly 158 kilometres and have been constructed at an estimated investment of ₹9,680 crore. Later in the day, he will open the 30.9-kilometre Package 6 in Jalandhar, Punjab.
The expressway forms part of the larger 667-kilometre Delhi-Amritsar-Katra corridor. Once operational, it is expected to ease congestion on National Highway-44, improve travel for pilgrims visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, encourage tourism, and strengthen logistics and industrial activity across the region.
Hydrogen-Powered Train to Begin Operations
The Prime Minister’s programme in Jind will also include the launch of India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train operating between Jind and Sonipat. Built with indigenous technology, the train uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, producing only water vapour as its emission. With a capacity of ten coaches and an output of 3,200 horsepower, the service places India among a select group of countries operating hydrogen-powered rail systems.
Development Projects Across Haryana
During his visit to Eklavya Stadium in Jind, Modi will lay foundation stones and dedicate multiple development projects valued at approximately ₹14,700 crore. He is also scheduled to address a public gathering.
Among the key announcements are National Highway projects exceeding ₹12,470 crore. These include the Ambala-Kala Amb Highway along NH-7 and NH-344, which is expected to improve connectivity between Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Another important project is the Jind-Gohana Greenfield Highway on NH-352A, reducing travel time between the two towns from nearly two hours to about 40 minutes.
Additional projects include the foundation stone for the Hansi-Barwala Brownfield Highway and the inauguration of the elevated railway track at Kurukshetra, both aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety.
Healthcare and Cultural Infrastructure Receive Boost
The Prime Minister will also dedicate new healthcare institutions, including Pandit Neki Ram Sharma Government Medical College in Bhiwani and Maharishi Chyawan Medical College along with Rao Tula Ram Hospital in Narnaul. In Kurukshetra, he will lay the foundation stone for a Sikh Museum designed to present the history and contributions of Sikh Gurus through modern digital technology.
Chandigarh to See New Education and Healthcare Projects
Later in Chandigarh, Modi will inaugurate and launch projects collectively valued at more than ₹4,700 crore across healthcare, education, and transport sectors.
The programme includes the opening of the Advanced Mother and Child Centre and the Advanced Neurosciences Centre at PGIMER. A new 150-bed Critical Care Block under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission will also have its foundation laid.
Educational facilities at Punjab Engineering College and Government College, Sector 46, will be inaugurated alongside the six-lane Greenfield Highway connecting IT City with Kurali. The foundation stone for the PR-7 Spur of the Ambala-Chandigarh Greenfield Highway is also part of the schedule.
Railway Modernisation and Punjab Infrastructure Expansion
In Jalandhar, projects worth more than ₹5,470 crore covering railways and highways will be launched. Seventy-five redeveloped railway stations across 20 states under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, including Jalandhar Cantt, will be inaugurated. Built at an estimated cost of ₹1,570 crore, these stations feature upgraded passenger amenities while preserving regional architectural identity.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Daulatpur Chowk-Kartoli rail line, developed as part of the Nangal Dam-Talwara-Mukerian New Rail Line Project. New train services connecting Kartoli with Ambala and Amritsar (Chheharta) with Varanasi will also be flagged off. The day’s programme concludes with the inauguration of Package 6 of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway and the foundation stone for the Southern Ludhiana Bypass, a project expected to improve connectivity between Ludhiana, Bathinda, and other major economic centres.