Britishers were the first to moot the proposal way back in 1925 to connect Ambikapur and Barwadih, both coal-rich areas, by rail.

[1] The Britishers knew the importance of the rail line and the work on the project was started in the early 1930s after conducting the survey, sources added.

[2] The new rail line will give connectivity from Howrah, Dhanbad & Ranchi to Mumbai via Lohardaga, Barkakana, Latehar, Barwadih, Ambikapur, Katni, Jabalpur & Itarsi.

If the new line starts, it will reduce the distance between both the Metros by more than 420.25 km (261 mi), thus making it shortest route between Mumbai and Howrah by curtailing travel time by at least hours.

Several electrified local passenger trains also run from Barwadih to neighbouring destinations on frequent intervals.