Chandigarh: Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Anil Vij, has achieved a major success in his efforts, bringing great news ahead of Holi for lakhs of passengers traveling on the Ambala–Chandigarh rail route. On this occasion, Vij said that the Railways has given the approval for the “Final Location Survey” (FLS) for the construction of the third and fourth railway lines on the Ambala–Chandigarh rail route. The survey work for laying the new lines will begin soon.
He expressed gratitude to Railway Minister Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw for this and described it as excellent news for lakhs of passengers. Notably, Energy Minister, Anil Vij had raised this demand before the Railway Minister in view of the increasing number of passengers between Ambala and Chandigarh. Acting positively on the request, the Railway Minister has now granted approval for the Final Location Survey for the construction of the third and fourth railway lines between Ambala and Chandigarh.
After completion of the survey, the necessary further procedures will be carried out. The Energy Minister said that a large number of employees, students, traders, and workers commute daily between Ambala Cantonment and Chandigarh. At present, dependence on bus services and private vehicles is high, which increases both travel time and expenses. With the introduction of the new railway lines, passengers will not only get affordable, safe, and convenient travel facilities, but road traffic congestion will also decrease. He expressed hope that the survey for the third and fourth railway lines will be completed soon.
Passengers from several states to benefit from the new railway lines
There is a pressing need for the third and fourth railway lines on the Ambala–Chandigarh route, as currently only two railway lines operate on this busy corridor. Lakhs of passengers from Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh travel daily on this route, leading to heavy passenger pressure on the trains operating there.
Additionally, Ambala Cantonment is a major military and industrial center, while Chandigarh is the state capital. Thousands of passengers commute daily between these two cities. Improved connectivity between it will boost regional economic activities and make life easier for people.
A Spur road link from Dera Bassi to Zirakpur bypass to reduce travel time for motorists: Anil Vij
Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij, said that travel from Ambala to Chandimandir and Kalka–Shimla will now become easier than before. To improve connectivity between Dera Bassi and the Zirakpur bypass, a 10-kilometer-long spur (above-ground) road will be constructed. This will directly connect vehicles coming from Ambala to the Zirakpur bypass without interruption, allowing seamless travel onward to Chandimandir, Kalka, and Shimla.
The new 10-kilometer spur road will start from the under-construction Ambala–Mohali highway and connect directly to the Zirakpur bypass, at an estimated cost of approximately Rs.1,464 crore. Once completed, the new road will save considerable travel time for motorists. The road will begin at Village Rajjo Majra in Dera Bassi and connect to the Zirakpur bypass.
Energy Minister, Anil Vij had recommended this project to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and has now expressed gratitude to him as work on the project moves forward.
