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.