The Government of India has accelerated several key railway infrastructure projects in Chhattisgarh to strengthen connectivity in the Ambikapur region. This development was highlighted by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a recent response to an inquiry in the Lok Sabha.
According to the Minister, the South East Central Railway’s Bilaspur Division has completed multiple surveys and is actively progressing on new rail lines aimed at improving regional accessibility. Three major projects are currently underway. These include the 80-km Boridand–Ambikapur doubling project, designed to ease congestion and improve train frequency. The second is the 262-km Ambikapur–Ramanujganj–Barwadih new line, which is expected to enhance inter-state connectivity. The third project, a 218-km Sardega–Pathalgaon–Ambikapur new line, aims to boost connectivity for remote districts in northern Chhattisgarh.
Vaishnaw also highlighted a dramatic rise in infrastructure funding for the state. Budgetary allocation has seen a jump from ₹311 crore per year (2009–2014) to ₹6,925 crore in 2025–26, reflecting the Centre’s renewed focus on rail expansion. Additionally, 1,189 km of new track has been commissioned between 2014 and 2025, significantly accelerating the pace of development. The Minister reiterated that these projects will play a crucial role in improving mobility and economic growth in the region.
