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Khanna in Ludhiana – History, Grain Market, Education, and Development

Sept. 7, 2025 99 Views

Welcome to Khanna in Ludhiana: Unveiling Punjab’s Hidden Gem

Nestled in the Ludhiana district of Punjab, Khanna is a vibrant city that is often overshadowed by its larger neighbor, Ludhiana. Yet, this charming locale offers a unique blend of rich history, bustling commerce, educational institutions, and evolving infrastructure. Known primarily for housing Asia’s largest grain market, Khanna has much more to offer—from its historic heritage to its political significance.

This blog delves into every facet of Khanna—its history, geography, infrastructure, politics, education, transport, local life, and future potential—so whether you’re a curious traveler, a local resident, or a business owner, you’ll find plenty to engage with.

1. Where is Khanna? Geography & Location

Khanna is a city and municipal council in the Ludhiana district of Punjab, India. Situated approximately 40–45 km southeast of Ludhiana, it lies along the historic Grand Trunk Road (NH-1).

According to geographic data, Khanna is located at 30.702877° N, 76.220222° E, placing it in central Punjab—a region celebrated for its agricultural richness and strategic location. The city covers around 32 km² and sits at an elevation of about 254–268 meters above sea level.

Khanna’s location along NH-1 makes it a critical transportation hub, with multiple state highways branching out in different directions, connecting the city to surrounding villages and towns.

Key Nearby Villages:

• Baghaur (Aujla), Kauri, Payal, Ikolahi, Rahoun, Isru, Harion Kalan, Bulepur, Bhamaddi, Rasulra, Ghutind, Libra, Ratan Heri, Bahumajra, Salana, Ramgarh, Salaudi Singha, Mohanpur, and more.

2. A Glimpse into Khanna’s Rich History

The name “Khanna” comes from the Punjabi word meaning “one quarter”—a moniker that reflects its modest beginnings, being just a quarter of the size of a typical city (Plumint).

Historically, Sher Shah Suri built sarais (inns) every 12–15 miles along the Delhi–Lahore road, and one such Purani Sarai remains in Khanna to this day as a testament to its Mughal-era legacy

When the Mughal Empire declined, the region came under the control of Banda Bahadur and later a Jathedar of Dahedu. In a turn of events involving royal lineage and scandal, the area was gifted to Daya Kaur—ultimately receiving the name “Khanna” over time.

3. Economy & India’s Largest Grain Market

Khanna is international acclaim for hosting Asia’s largest grain market, a vibrant hub for agricultural trade drawing thousands from the region.

This thriving market supports Khanna’s local economy and is a vital engine for Punjab’s agricultural and commodities sectors. Numerous local businesses, including transport, storage, and processing services, feed into this dynamic marketplace.

4. Demographics & Quality of Life

According to the 2011 Census, Khanna had a population of approximately 128,130, with a fairly balanced gender distribution (67,811 males and 60,319 females). The literacy rate was impressively high—84.43%

Religious demographics revealed that Hindus and Sikhs form the predominant communities, with smaller populations of Muslims, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, and others.

Khanna has also been recognized for air quality and ranked 34th among India’s cleanest air cities (population under 300,000) in the Swachh Vayu Survey 2024.

5. Education in Khanna: Academic Excellence

Khanna offers robust educational facilities, including:

• A S College, Khanna – established in 1946, affiliated with Punjab University, granted an A+ grade by NAAC, and serving students from across surrounding districts.

The A S Management Society further manages:

• A S College for Women

• A S College of Education

• A S Group of Institutions

• A S Senior Secondary School

• A S Modern Senior Secondary School

• M.G.C.A.S Junior Model School.

Other schools and colleges include:

• A.S. Sr. Sec. School

• Sacred Heart Convent Senior Secondary School

• DAV Public School

• Delhi Public School

• Gulzar Group of Institutes

• Sanjeevni Nursing College

• Several local institutions offering quality education.

6. Transportation Network: Rail & Road Connectivity

Railway Connectivity

Khanna Railway Station, located in Shivpuri Mohalla, serves the city on the Ambala–Attari railway line under the Northern Railway zone. It has three platforms and is fully electrified since the late 1990s.

Road Connectivity

The city's strategic location on NH-1 (Grand Trunk Road) enhances trade and commuter movement. State highways radiate outward, connecting Khanna to nearby towns and villages'

Nearby bus stands include:

• Cheema Chowk

• Jarg Chowk

• New Bus Stand

• Model Town Chowk (Plumint)

Khanna’s pin code is 141401, and it’s bordered by Amloh Tehsil (south), Samrala Tehsil (north), and Fatehgarh Sahib District (east) (Plumint).

7. Political Significance: Khanna Assembly Constituency

The Khanna Assembly constituency (No. 57) is part of the Legislative Assembly of Punjab, under the Fatehgarh Sahib Lok Sabha constituency. It is currently represented by Tarunpreet Singh Sond of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), elected in 2022.

Council and civic governance are managed by the Municipal Council of Khanna, with official offices located on G.T. Road.

8. Recent Developments & Civic Improvements

Public Sanitation & Infrastructure

• A new public toilet is being constructed at Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Chowk with a budget of Rs 7.5 lakh. Minister Sond aims to enhance city sanitation and aesthetics along the 3 km highway through Khanna.

• On July 12, 2025, Sond distributed Rs 48.9 lakh for infrastructure development across 12 villages, funding sewage systems, footpaths, playgrounds, and community centers.

Civic Worker Welfare

• On August 19, 2025, Minister Sond and Dalit Board Chief met sanitation workers to address issues like workforce regularization, reinstating pension schemes, hiring 200 workers, and abolishing contractual employment.

Recent Civic Developments

• The municipal council has also installed a statue of Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia at Ludhiana bus stand, funded by the Khanna council (statue cost: Rs 12.50 lakh)

9. Local Challenges & Community Spirit

Safety & Infrastructure Issues

• Dog bites in Ward No. 18 have sparked concern, with over 10 residents bitten—including some attacked during sleep. Officials are looking into sterilization and relocation efforts.

• Road hazards along the Ludhiana–Chandigarh stretch, including near Khanna, have caused nine accident-related deaths in one month due to potholes and damaged roads (Plumint).

Flood & Structural Response

• Amid Punjab’s 2025 floods, volunteers fortified the Satluj River embankment near Khanna-linked areas like Sasrali Colony with sandbags and support (The Times of India).

• Unsafe buildings in Ludhiana collapsed due to heavy rain, raising alarms—159 properties are labeled dangerous (Plumint).

• Additionally, garbage collection was disrupted by rain-damaged roads, exacerbating public health issues (Plumint).

10. Must-See Attractions & Cultural Gems in Khanna

While Khanna may not be a major tourist hub, it offers unique cultural and historic sites nearby:

• Purani Sarai—a historical inn from Sher Shah Suri’s era.

• Grain Market—Asia’s largest, a bustling scene of trade and activity.

• Serai/Caravanserai near Doraha—such as Serai Lashkari Khan, built in 1667 and featured in Rang De Basanti (Plumint).

• Educational institutions like A S College and other renowned schools.

11. Why Khanna Matters—Summing Up

Khanna stands out as a city with:

• Strategic importance in transport and trade.

• A thriving agricultural economy.

• Strong educational infrastructure.

• Active political engagement and civic progress.

• Challenges such as infrastructural upkeep and public safety.

• A community spirit that shines through, especially during crises like floods.

Whether you're exploring Khanna Ludhiana, investing in its grain market, or involved in its civic development, this city carries a blend of rich heritage and dynamic growth.