The South East Central Railway (SECR) has completed the detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed Sardega (Sundargarh)-Pathalgaon-Ambikapur new rail line, which has now been submitted to the Railway Ministry for approval.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed this development in the Lok Sabha on December 3, stating that the DPR is under consideration for approval. The new rail line, spanning 218 km, is crucial for the tribal-dominated district, as it will provide the first direct train link to Sundargarh town. The project includes a final location survey (FLS) for the 128 km stretch from Sardega to Pathalgaon and a 90 km stretch from Pathalgaon to Ambikapur, which will form part of the total 218 km proposed route.

Dhrub Kalo, General Secretary of the Rail Vikash Sangram Samiti, expressed hope that the project would be included in the upcoming Union Budget. He added that the Sundargarh station would be located near Balijore, paving the way for improved rail connectivity.