New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): Rail passengers in Punjab have reason to cheer as the Delhi–Moga Express has been extended to Firozpur Cantonment, marking a new chapter in the state’s railway connectivity. The decision, announced by Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, fulfills a decades-old demand from residents of the border region.
Under the revised schedule, train number 22485 will depart New Delhi at its regular time of 7:00 a.m., halt at Jakhal (10:18 a.m.) and Ludhiana (12:25 p.m.), before reaching Moga at 1:57 p.m. After a brief halt, it will continue onward, leaving at 1:59 p.m. and arriving at Firozpur Cantt. by 3:00 p.m.
The return service, 22486 Firozpur Cantt.–New Delhi Express, will leave Firozpur at 3:35 p.m., stop at Moga (4:25 p.m.), and reach New Delhi at 11:35 p.m.
A Long-Awaited Development
Minister Bittu described the extension as a “historic step” that will directly benefit commuters from Firozpur, Moga, and Ludhiana, while enhancing regional trade links. He extended thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their “consistent efforts to modernize and expand the railway infrastructure in Punjab.”
“The extension of this service was a long-pending request from people in northwestern Punjab. This decision will make travel smoother for students, traders, and daily commuters, while also stimulating local economic growth,” Bittu said.
Boost to Mobility and Economy
The Delhi–Firozpur extension is expected to streamline passenger movement and facilitate better freight connectivity for agricultural and industrial goods between the national capital and Punjab’s hinterland. The new route also links more rural communities with major railway nodes, improving accessibility for thousands of passengers each week.
Local residents and traders’ associations have hailed the move as “a long-overdue initiative” that bridges the connectivity gap for Firozpur — one of Punjab’s historically significant towns.
“This extension will not only save time but will also give a much-needed push to business and tourism in the border belt,” said a local business leader from Firozpur.
The Indian Railways, through this reform, continues to emphasize balanced regional development, ensuring smaller towns like Moga and Firozpur remain integral to the national rail network while improving overall connectivity across northern India.
