Ambala, March 3:- Lakhs of passengers traveling on the Ambala–Chandigarh railway line have received important good news ahead of the festival of Holi, owing to the efforts of Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij.
Minister Vij informed that the Railways has approved the “Final Location Survey” (FLS) for the construction of the third and fourth railway lines on the Ambala–Chandigarh railway route. The survey work for laying the new lines will begin soon. He thanked Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for granting the approval and stated that he had received official communication confirming the sanction, calling it a major relief for lakhs of passengers.
It is noteworthy that Minister Anil Vij had raised this demand with the Railway Minister in view of increasing passenger traffic between Ambala and Chandigarh. Following this, the Railway Minister took positive action and approved the Final Location Survey for the additional lines. Necessary steps will be taken after the survey is completed.
The Minister stated that a large number of employees, students, traders and workers commute daily on the Ambala Cantonment–Chandigarh route. At present, there is heavy dependence on bus services and private vehicles, leading to increased travel time and expenses. With the addition of new railway lines, passengers will benefit from affordable, safe and convenient travel, while road congestion will also decrease. He expressed hope that the survey process would be completed soon.
He further said that the railway expansion would benefit passengers from several states. Ambala Cantonment is a major military and industrial hub, and thousands of commuters travel daily between the two cities and the state capital Chandigarh. Improved connectivity will boost regional economic activities and make life easier for residents.
The Minister also mentioned that travel from Ambala to Chandimandir, Kalka and Shimla will become easier. To improve connectivity between Dera Bassi and Zirakpur bypass, a 10-kilometre elevated road will be constructed. This elevated road will begin from the under-construction Ambala–Mohali Highway and directly connect to the Zirakpur bypass, enabling uninterrupted travel toward Chandimandir, Kalka and Shimla. The project, estimated to cost approximately ?1,464 crore, will start from Rajjo Majra near Dera Bassi and link to the Zirakpur bypass.
Minister Anil Vij stated that he had recommended this project to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and expressed gratitude as the work is now underway.