The Government of India has fast-tracked multiple new railway projects to enhance connectivity in Chhattisgarh’s Ambikapur region. The update was provided in the Lok Sabha by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, in response to an Unstarred Question from MP Chintamani Maharaj.

The Minister reported significant progress in surveys undertaken by the South East Central Railway, Bilaspur Division, and outlined efforts to secure approvals for several new rail corridors passing through Ambikapur. Three major connectivity projects have advanced notably: the 80-kilometre Boridand–Ambikapur (Surajpur) doubling project is now under execution; Detailed Project Reports have been completed for the 262-kilometre Ambikapur–Ramanujganj–Barwadih line with a spur to Garhwa Road; and the 218-kilometre Sardega–Pathalgaon–Ambikapur new line.

Vaishnaw highlighted that budget allocation for infrastructure and safety works in Chhattisgarh has risen dramatically—from Rs 3.11 billion per year during 2009–2014 to Rs 69.25 billion in FY 2025–26, an increase of more than twenty-two times. Track commissioning has also accelerated sharply: only 32 kilometres were added between 2009 and 2014, whereas 1,189 kilometres were commissioned between 2014 and 2025, averaging 108.1 kilometres annually—over fifteen times higher.

As of 1 April 2025, Chhattisgarh has 26 sanctioned railway projects, including six new lines and twenty doubling or multitracking schemes, covering 1,931 kilometres at a cost of Rs 316.19 billion. Of this, 1,023 kilometres have already been commissioned, and Rs 163.25 billion has been spent up to March 2025. In the past three years and the current financial year, 26 new line surveys spanning 3,901 kilometres have been sanctioned within the South East Central Railway, including corridors passing through Ambikapur.

The Minister noted that project approval depends on factors such as expected traffic, economic viability, last-mile connectivity, route congestion, demands from states and public representatives, and available funding. Completion timelines, he added, are influenced by land acquisition, forest clearances, utility relocation, statutory approvals, local law and order, geological conditions and the number of workable months at project sites.

The Government reiterated its commitment to expanding and modernising rail infrastructure in Chhattisgarh, ensuring steady progress across all sanctioned works in the Ambikapur region.