Haryana Minister Announces Railway Survey for Ambala-Chandigarh New Lines
In a significant development for regional transportation, Haryana Minister Anil Vij has announced that the Indian Railways has granted approval for the Final Location Survey (FLS) to construct the third and fourth railway lines on the Ambala–Chandigarh rail route. This move aims to address the growing passenger demand and improve connectivity between these key cities.
Survey Work to Commence Soon
The survey work for laying the new lines is set to begin shortly, marking a crucial step forward in the project. Minister Vij expressed his gratitude to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the approval, describing it as excellent news for lakhs of passengers who rely on this route daily.
Vij had previously raised this demand with the railway minister, highlighting the increasing number of commuters between Ambala and Chandigarh. The positive response from the railway ministry underscores the urgency of enhancing rail infrastructure in this corridor.
Addressing Passenger Pressure and Congestion
Currently, only two railway lines operate on the Ambala–Chandigarh route, which experiences heavy passenger traffic from Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh. This has led to significant pressure on existing train services.
Minister Vij emphasized that a large number of employees, students, traders, and workers commute daily between Ambala Cantonment and Chandigarh. At present, many depend on bus services and private vehicles, which not only increase travel time but also raise expenses.
With the introduction of the new railway lines, passengers will benefit from affordable, safe, and convenient travel facilities, while road traffic congestion is expected to decrease substantially, Vij stated.
Boosting Regional Economic Activities
The improved connectivity is anticipated to boost regional economic activities by facilitating easier movement of people and goods. Ambala Cantonment serves as a major military and industrial centre, while Chandigarh is the state capital, making efficient transport links vital for development.
Thousands of passengers commute daily between these two cities, and the new lines will make life easier for residents and visitors alike. Additionally, travel from Ambala to destinations like Chandi Mandir and Kalka–Shimla will become more accessible than before.
Spur Road Construction for Enhanced Connectivity
To further improve connectivity, a 10-kilometre-long spur road will be constructed between Dera Bassi and the Zirakpur bypass. This above-ground road will start from the under-construction Ambala–Mohali highway and connect directly to the Zirakpur bypass.
The estimated cost for this project is approximately Rs 1,464 crore. Once completed, the road will allow vehicles coming from Ambala to travel seamlessly to the Zirakpur bypass without interruptions, enabling onward journeys to Chandi Mandir, Kalka, and Shimla.
The road will begin at Village Rajjo Majra in Dera Bassi and is expected to save considerable travel time for motorists, enhancing overall transportation efficiency in the region.
Next Steps and Future Prospects
Following the completion of the Final Location Survey, necessary procedures will be carried out to advance the railway line construction. This project represents a major infrastructure upgrade that aligns with broader efforts to modernize India's rail network and support economic growth.
Minister Vij's announcement highlights the government's commitment to addressing public transportation needs and fostering regional development through strategic infrastructure investments.
