- Inauguration of the Tadoki–Raoghat and Abhanpur–Kurud Broad-Gauge Rail Lines
- Flagging Off of New Passenger Train Services: Raoghat–Raipur and Raipur–Kurud
- Foundation Stone Laid for an Electric Locomotive Maintenance Facility in Raipur
Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone today in its efforts to expand rail connectivity and enhance passenger amenities in Chhattisgarh. In the esteemed presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, and the Hon’ble Union Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Tadoki–Raoghat and Abhanpur–Kurud broad-gauge rail lines were inaugurated. On this occasion, new passenger train services—Raoghat–Raipur and Raipur–Kurud—were flagged off. Additionally, the foundation stone was laid for an Electric Locomotive Maintenance Facility in Raipur. The Hon’ble Union Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, participated in the event via video conferencing.
The arrival of a train in Raoghat for the first time since independence marks a historic achievement in connecting the remote regions of southern Chhattisgarh to the national rail network. These projects and new passenger services will strengthen regional connectivity and provide citizens with improved travel facilities.
In his address, the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, expressed gratitude—on behalf of the three crore people of Chhattisgarh—to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, and the Union Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, for the launch of these vital rail projects and new passenger services. He noted that under the able leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, development initiatives across various sectors in Chhattisgarh—including railways—are gaining continuous momentum. This year, Chhattisgarh has received an allocation of over ₹7,000 crore under the Railway Budget, reflecting the Central Government’s commitment to expanding rail infrastructure, improving connectivity, and enhancing passenger amenities within the state. He expressed confidence that these projects would provide better rail connectivity to the remote areas of the state and impart fresh momentum to industrial, commercial, and socio-economic development.
In his address, the Hon’ble Union Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, congratulated the people of Chhattisgarh on these significant rail projects and the launch of new passenger rail services between Rowghat–Raipur and Raipur–Kurud. He stated that under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, rail infrastructure in Chhattisgarh is being continuously expanded. Several key initiatives have been completed, including the new Dalli-Rajhara–Rowghat rail line, the gauge conversion of the Kendi–Abhanpur–Rajim–Dhamtari section, and various multi-tracking projects. Work is also underway on the Kharsia–Parmalkasa double-line project. Furthermore, the Pendra Road–Bilaspur–Uslapur third rail line has recently received Cabinet approval. These projects will strengthen rail connectivity in Chhattisgarh, enhance passenger amenities, and accelerate industrial and economic growth.
The event held at Raipur station was attended by Hon’ble Members of Parliament Smt. Laxmi Verma, Shri Brijmohan Agrawal, and Smt. Rupkumari Chaudhary, along with Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) Shri Rajesh Munat, Shri Purandar Mishra, and Shri Moti Lal Sahu. Meanwhile, at Rowghat station, the event was attended by Hon’ble Member of Parliament Shri Bhojraj Nag, MLA Shri Vikram Usendi, and other prominent citizens.
For the first time since independence, a train has reached Rowghat, which will boost industrial development. A new 95-kilometer-long rail line between Dalli-Rajhara and Rowghat has been completed at a cost of ₹1,628 crore. The project reached its full completion with the finalization of the 17.5-kilometer stretch between Tadoki and Rowghat. The establishment of rail connectivity to Rowghat will provide residents of these remote areas with access to rail transport, facilitating easier reach to opportunities in education, healthcare, employment, and trade.
This rail line will also serve as a catalyst for industrial and economic activities in the region. In particular, the transportation of iron ore from the Rowghat region will be accelerated, providing significant support in meeting the requirements of the nation’s iron and steel industry, including the Bhilai Steel Plant. Improved rail connectivity will facilitate the transport of raw materials and foster industrial development. Furthermore, it will create new opportunities for employment and economic activity in the region.
- Expansion of Passenger Facilities via the Abhanpur–Kurud Broad-Gauge Line
Under the Kendi–Dhamtari and Abhanpur–Rajim gauge conversion projects, passenger services have already commenced on the section between Abhanpur and Rajim. Additionally, the gauge conversion of a 22-kilometer rail line between Abhanpur and Kurud—part of the Abhanpur–Dhamtari gauge conversion project—has been completed. Work on the remaining Kurud–Dhamtari section is currently underway and is expected to be finished soon.
The inauguration of the Abhanpur–Kurud broad-gauge line has expanded rail connectivity in the region. This will provide passengers with better travel options to the capital, Raipur, while also boosting regional development, trade, and daily commuting.
- New Passenger Rail Services Between Rowghat–Raipur and Raipur–Kurud Bring Joy to Passengers
The launch of new passenger rail services between Rowghat–Raipur and Raipur–Kurud will provide travelers from these areas with the convenience of direct rail connectivity to Raipur. The introduction of these new services will benefit the youth…There is a sense of joy among students, working professionals, and other daily commuters. Convenient rail connectivity to the capital will facilitate travel for students pursuing education, youth seeking employment, and citizens traveling for medical needs, business, or other essential purposes.
These services will also benefit farmers, traders, and travelers from rural areas. Easier access to the capital will create new opportunities in the fields of education, healthcare, commerce, and tourism. Furthermore, farmers will gain a better transport option for moving their agricultural produce to larger markets. These services will help connect remote and rural areas to the capital, while also accelerating regional socio-economic development.
The fare for travel between Raipur and Rowghat will be only ₹55. This affordable rail travel option will prove beneficial for students, youth, daily commuters, and the general public.
- Foundation Stone Laid for Electric Locomotive Maintenance Facility in Raipur
The laying of the foundation stone for an electric locomotive maintenance facility in Raipur marks a significant step toward strengthening modern rail infrastructure. Once developed, this facility will have the capacity to maintain 300 high-horsepower electric locomotives.
This will help increase the availability of electric locomotives, address maintenance requirements, and ensure smoother, more robust rail operations. The facility will contribute to meeting the nation’s growing freight transportation needs, supporting the movement of industrial goods, and enhancing the operational capacity of Indian Railways.
The launch of these projects and new passenger rail services has expanded rail connectivity in Chhattisgarh. This will provide better transport facilities to remote areas while fostering industrial, agricultural, and commercial activities. The arrival of the railway in Rowghat is a historic milestone in the state’s rail development; it will not only expand passenger amenities but also provide a new impetus for industrial growth and the region’s economic progress.