The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution to extend the Ambikapur-Renukut railway line, fulfilling a long-standing demand for improved rail connectivity in northern Chhattisgarh. The 152 km line, estimated to cost ₹8200 crore, will connect 11 districts and 30 assembly constituencies across four states. It will provide direct connectivity from...
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northern Chhattisgarh to Varanasi, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Delhi, Jabalpur, and Howrah. The line is considered the most feasible option due to its shorter distance and lower cost compared to other proposed routes. The resolution will be forwarded to the Indian government for approval. The line is expected to benefit the region's social, cultural, and economic interests by facilitating the transport of coal, bauxite, and local products. It will also provide direct connectivity between Chhattisgarh and Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama.

A survey has been completed for a new railway line between Vindhyamganj in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, and Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh. The survey, conducted by a private agency from Jaipur, indicates the distance between Vindhyamganj and Ambikapur is less than 150 km. The proposed line would involve the construction of 12...
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new railway stations and three to four tunnels. The survey is ongoing, and pillars are being erected at designated locations. Separate surveys have also been conducted for lines from Barwadih (Jharkhand) to Ambikapur (199.98 km, 8758.37 crore cost) and Renukut (Uttar Pradesh) to Ambikapur (152.30 km, 8227.92 crore cost). Sources indicate that the distance and cost of the Vindhyamganj-Ambikapur line are lower than both the Barwadih and Renukut routes. The Ministry of Railways is studying all three survey reports comprehensively to make a decision soon.

The proposed Ambikapur-Barwadih railway line, initially planned during the British era, has lost its relevance over time. Currently, Renukut in Uttar Pradesh is more advantageous for passenger and freight transportation compared to Barwadih in Jharkhand. The Ambikapur-Renukut railway line is shorter, cheaper, and has a higher rate of return. ...
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Moreover, it passes through existing and planned coal mines. The Renukut route also offers better connectivity to Varanasi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Lucknow, and Delhi. The proposed Ambikapur-Barwadih line, however, faced opposition from Coal India as their mines are not located along this route. The Ministry of Railways has also approved surveys for Ambikapur-Vindhyamganj and Ambikapur-Garhwa railway lines. A comparison shows that the Renukut route is shorter, cheaper, and has a higher rate of return than the Barwadih route, further emphasizing its practicality. A crucial meeting is expected soon at the Gati Shakti Bhavan in Delhi to decide on the final choice for the Ambikapur railway line.

On May 15th, a minor girl named Shahnaz Akhteri went missing from her home in Devdi village, Vindhamganj. Her body was found the next day on a railway track. Police initially registered a case of the girl being hit by a train and closed the investigation after an autopsy. However, the...
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victim's father, Sohrab, filed a petition with the Chief Judicial Magistrate, alleging foul play. The CJM, upon reviewing the case, ordered the Vindhamganj police to register a case and investigate the matter, finding evidence suggestive of a potential murder. The CJM ordered the investigation after the initial police report claimed the death was caused by a train and dismissed evidence suggesting a murder. The victim's father alleged that two local men, Rajan and Dharmendra, were involved and that the police initially ignored his complaint.

Surenndra Gond (28), a Supply Inspector from Dhooma village, Vindhamganj, was found dead at Pratapgarh Railway Station. He had cleared the UP PCS exam in 2021 and was posted as a Supply Inspector in Pratapgarh. The cause of his death is unknown, with his family stating that they will wait for...
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the postmortem report for more information. The incident has caused shock and grief in the village, with family members and local leaders rushing to Pratapgarh.