CG New Railway Line: Central approval has been granted for the expansion of three new railway line projects in Chhattisgarh. During a visit to New Delhi, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and held detailed discussions regarding the expansion of railway infrastructure, new rail projects, and the progress of pending railway lines in the state. Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu and Rajnandgaon MP Santosh Pandey were also present on this occasion. Following the discussion, the Railway Minister gave the green signal for the new railway project.
Rail connectivity for lakhs of people in Chhattisgarh
During the meeting, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that Chhattisgarh is one of the country’s most important states in terms of industry, minerals, and agriculture. He emphasized that expanding the railway network in the state is not merely a matter of transport convenience; it is linked to industrial development, trade, tourism, agricultural marketing, the development of tribal regions, and balanced regional progress. He noted that Chhattisgarh is benefiting from the unprecedented expansion of railway infrastructure across the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the state government is working in full coordination with the central government in this regard.
Trains to run here for the first time
The meeting focused specifically on the Katghora-Dongargarh new railway line project. It was announced that this ambitious project, spanning approximately 295 kilometers, would be developed through a joint venture between the Ministry of Railways and the Government of Chhattisgarh. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be formed through a partnership between the two entities for this purpose. The railway line will run from Katghora to Dongargarh via Kartala, Mungeli, Kawardha, and Khairagarh, connecting several areas to the railway network for the first time—areas that previously lacked rail connectivity. The Chief Minister stated that this project would accelerate regional development, boost industries, and provide lakhs of citizens with better transportation facilities. Approval Sought for Three Rail Projects
Chief Minister Sai requested early approval for three other significant rail projects in the state: Sardega-Pathalgaon-Ambikapur (244 km), Dharamjaigarh-Pathalgaon-Lohardaga (301 km), and Ambikapur-Barwadih (200 km). He stated that these projects would strengthen rail connectivity in North Chhattisgarh and border areas, while also creating new opportunities for trade, tourism, mineral transportation, and local employment. In response, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assured a positive initiative towards granting early approval for these projects. During the meeting, the progress of survey work for the new Kirandul-Kothagudem (180 km) and Gadchiroli-Bijapur-Kirandul (Bacheli) (490 km) rail line projects was also discussed. The Chief Minister requested the early completion of survey work and the initiation of subsequent actions to further strengthen connectivity in the Bastar region and accelerate efforts related to development and security.
Expressing gratitude to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai remarked that new chapters of railway development are being written in Chhattisgarh with the support of the Central Government. He stated that the new rail projects would play a pivotal role in the state’s industrial development, mineral transportation, seamless movement of agricultural produce, tourism promotion, and the holistic development of tribal areas. He expressed confidence that the coordinated efforts of the Central and State governments would further strengthen Chhattisgarh’s rail network in the coming years and provide fresh momentum to the creation of a developed Chhattisgarh.
