Chhattisgarh Railway Projects: New Lines & Trains for Raoghat
In a landmark development for the state's connectivity, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw officially inaugurated several major Chhattisgarh railway projects via video conferencing on October 20, 2026. This massive infrastructure boost aims to integrate the state's remote regions with the national rail network, marking a new era of socio-economic growth.
Historic Milestone: Raoghat Connects to the National Grid
For the first time since India's independence, the remote southern region of Chhattisgarh has been successfully linked to the national rail grid. The inauguration of the Tadoki–Raoghat broad-gauge line marks a historic moment for the local population, as trains have finally reached the area.
Key details of this achievement include:
- The Dalli-Rajhara–Rowghat Project: The completion of the 17.5-km Tadoki–Raoghat stretch concludes a significant portion of the 95-km Dalli-Rajhara–Rowghat line project.
- Investment and Collaboration: The project was executed at a cost of ₹1,628 crore, in collaboration with the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and the Bhilai Steel Plant.
- New Passenger Services: New passenger trains on the Raoghat–Raipur and Raipur–Kurud routes were officially flagged off to serve the local commuters.
Expanding Infrastructure: Abhanpur–Kurud and Raipur Facilities
The expansion continues with the finalization of the 22-km Abhanpur–Kurud section, which is a vital part of the larger Abhanpur–Dhamtari gauge conversion project. This development is expected to significantly improve transit and connectivity across the region.
Additionally, the foundation stone was laid for a new Electric Locomotive Maintenance Facility in Raipur. This facility is set to enhance the operational efficiency and maintenance capabilities of the railway network within the state.
A Massive Budgetary Boost for Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted the unprecedented financial support the state is receiving from the central government. He noted that the 2026-27 railway budget has allocated over ₹7,000 crore to Chhattisgarh.
"This is a substantial increase compared to the annual average of ₹311 crore recorded between 2009 and 2014," the CM remarked, emphasizing the transformative power of these funds for the state's future.
The Chief Minister stressed that extending the rail network into Bastar and other tribal-dominated areas will act as a catalyst for industrial, commercial, and socio-economic development. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw congratulated the residents of Chhattisgarh and reaffirmed the central government's commitment to the ongoing modernization of the state's railway infrastructure.