The first goods train on diesel traction from Ludhiana to Chandigarh via Sanehwal, Samrala and New Morinda on the newly constructed railway line from Chandigarh to Ludhiana has run successfully on 28.2.2013.
The construction of a new rail line between Chandigarh – Ludhiana covering a length was sanctioned in the year 1997-98 at an estimated cost of Rs. 1115.21 crore.This project was carried out in a three phase programme. Under Phase-I, the Railway line from Chandigarh to Morinda stations covering about 44 Kms. was opened for traffic in Sept. 2006.The Phase – II, involving construction of third line from Sanehwal to Ludhiana covering about 16 Kms. was opened for traffic in Nov., 2012.The work of final phase of this line from New Morinda to Sanehwal (52 Kms.) has been completed and the section is likely to be opened for passenger traffic shortly after CRS inspection.The third phase includes 128 minor bridges including sub-ways and four major bridges over Sutlej – Yamuna Link Canal and Sirhind canal and 11 Nos. manned L-xings.
On 15.1.2013, the trial running of light Engine was done from New Morinda to Madpur stations and the trial running from Madpur to Sanehwal was done on 15.2.2013.
With the completion of this project, long pending demand of the people of Punjab for direct rail link from Chandigarh to other parts of Punjab will be met.
