Chhattisgarh Rail Boom: New Raoghat & Kurud Lines Open!
On October 20, 2026, the state of Chhattisgarh marked a historic milestone in its infrastructure journey with the official inauguration of the Tadoki-Raoghat and Abhanpur-Kurud broad-gauge rail lines. This monumental development marks the first time since India's independence that a train service has reached Raoghat, providing a vital lifeline to the North Bastar Kanker district.
Connecting Tribal Regions and Industry
The newly inaugurated 17.5 km Tadoki-Raoghat section completes the ambitious 95 km Dallirajhara-Rowghat project, which was constructed at an estimated cost of approximately ₹1,628 crore. This infrastructure is expected to be a game-changer for the region by facilitating the efficient transportation of iron ore to the Bhilai Steel Plant while simultaneously improving access to essential services for the residents of southern Chhattisgarh.
New Passenger Services and Infrastructure Upgrades
To celebrate this expansion, several new passenger train services were flagged off, enhancing direct connectivity between key areas. These new services include:
- Raoghat to Raipur
- Raipur to Kurud
In addition to the new tracks, a foundation stone was laid for a new Electric Locomotive Maintenance Facility in Raipur, which will strengthen the operational capacity of the regional network. Furthermore, the 22 km Abhanpur-Kurud section has successfully undergone gauge conversion, ensuring smoother and faster travel for commuters.
A Catalyst for Socio-Economic Growth
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his gratitude to the central leadership, emphasizing that the expanded railway network serves as a powerful catalyst for socio-economic growth, particularly within the state's tribal regions. The scale of development is massive; the state is currently undergoing railway projects valued at approximately ₹57,000 crore.
Participating virtually, Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw shared an optimistic vision for the future. He stated that numerous sanctioned projects will eventually enable the operation of at least 100 additional trains, extending connectivity from Raipur to Jagdalpur, Koraput, and Visakhapatnam. Supporting this massive expansion, the central government has increased the budget allocation for Chhattisgarh to ₹7,470 crore for the 2026-27 financial year. As part of this modernization drive, 32 railway stations across the state are also being upgraded to meet world-class standards.