NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Punjab on Friday, July 17, 2026, to launch a series of major healthcare and railway infrastructure projects valued at over ₹2,500 crore.
The high-profile visit is expected to significantly boost medical facilities and regional connectivity across northern India. It also marks a key moment for the BJP as it tests a new independent electoral strategy in the state.
Upgrading Regional Healthcare (₹1,200 Crore)
Nearly half of the developmental package—amounting to ₹1,200 crore—is dedicated to expanding advanced medical treatment, research, and education. Key health initiatives to be launched by the Prime Minister include:
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PGIMER Facilities: The inauguration of two state-of-the-art facilities at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh—the Advanced Mother and Child Centre and the Advanced Neurosciences Centre.
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High-Risk Maternity Care: The Advanced Mother and Child Centre is designed to augment PGIMER’s capability to manage over 6,000 high-risk deliveries annually.
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Specialized Neurology: The Advanced Neurosciences Centre will provide specialized treatment for complex neurological disorders while significantly reducing patient waiting times.
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Critical Care Block: Laying the foundation stone for a new 150-bed critical care hospital block under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission.
Expanding Rail Connectivity and Station Modernization
The visit will also bring major updates to Punjab’s railway network, focusing on passenger facilities, religious tourism, and heritage modernization.
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Sant Ravidas Express: The PM will flag off the new Sant Ravidas Express, connecting Chheharta in Amritsar directly to Varanasi. Operating three times a week (Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays), the train will facilitate travel for thousands of devotees visiting the Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan Temple. The launch aligns with preparations for the 650th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidass next year.
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Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: In Jalandhar, PM Modi will launch the redevelopment of 75 railway stations nationwide under the Centre’s modernization program. This includes the heritage British-era Jalandhar Cantonment railway station.
The Political Backdrop: This visit carries notable political weight as it is the Prime Minister’s first trip to the state since the BJP announced its strategy to contest upcoming Punjab elections independently, moving away from its historical regional alliance.
