Chhattisgarh: New Raipur-Kurud & Raoghat-Raipur Trains Launched!
Chhattisgarh marks a significant milestone in its railway expansion this Vijayadashami. On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, two new passenger train services—connecting Raipur to Kurud and Raoghat to Raipur—were officially launched to enhance regional connectivity across the state.
Official Flag-Off and Inauguration Ceremony
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw officially flagged off the new services via video conferencing. The ceremony was held at Raipur railway station, specifically at platform number seven, where Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presided over the event. The launch also marked the formal inauguration of the Abhanpur-Kurud broad gauge rail line and the Tadoki-Raoghat rail line.
The event was attended by several prominent leaders, including Raipur MP Brijmohan Agrawal and Mahasamund MP Rupkumari Chaudhary. At the Kurud railway station, the arrival of the new service was met with grand celebrations led by local MLA Ajay Chandrakar, featuring traditional music, flower showers, and garlands.
Bridging the Gap for Remote Regions
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted the strategic importance of these new routes, noting that the extension of the rail network to Raoghat is a vital step for the state. By connecting the remote regions of Bastar and southern Chhattisgarh to the wider rail network, the government aims to provide better access to essential services, including education, health, employment, and commerce.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is prioritizing connectivity for regions that were previously excluded from the mainstream railway network.
Affordable Fares and High Initial Demand
The new services offer highly affordable travel options for daily commuters. The fare details are as follows:
- Raoghat to Raipur (219 km): ₹55
- Raipur to Kurud: ₹20
The public response on the first day of operations was impressive. The Raoghat-Raipur train carried 410 passengers, while the Raipur-Kurud service saw approximately 250 passengers utilizing the new route.
Future Expansion and Infrastructure Development
The expansion of the railway network in Chhattisgarh is set to continue. Plans are already underway to extend the Raipur-Kurud service to Dhamtari in the coming months. Furthermore, work is progressing on the Raoghat-Jagdalpur line to further strengthen the links in the southern part of the state.
To support this growing network, Chief Minister Sai also laid the foundation stone for a new electric rail engine maintenance facility in Raipur, which will bolster the regional railway infrastructure and ensure smoother operations in the future.