In a major boost to regional connectivity, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has officially approved three significant new railway projects for Chhattisgarh. This strategic expansion, finalized during a high-level meeting in New Delhi on July 30, 2026, aims to bridge infrastructure gaps and foster economic growth across the state. The meeting was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu, and Rajnandgaon MP Santosh Pandey.
- Dongargarh-Katghora corridor: A 295-km electrified line featuring 27 new stations.
- Bastar connectivity: Accelerated work on the Rowghat–Kondagaon–Jagdalpur and Raoghat-Jagdalpur lines.
- Interstate link: New Gadchiroli–Dantewada project to connect Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.
- Jashpur access: The 291.881 km Dharamjaigarh–Pathalgaon–Lohardaga project will bring trains to Jashpur for the first time.
The Dongargarh-Katghora Corridor
The centerpiece of this development is the 295-kilometer broad-gauge electrified Dongargarh-Katghora corridor. This project is set to provide rail access to previously unserved regions, including Mungeli, Kawardha, Khairagarh, and Kartala. While the project was initially sanctioned in September 2018 at a cost of ₹4821 crore, the revised estimated cost now stands at ₹6947 crore. The line will be executed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) as a joint venture between the Ministry of Railways and the Chhattisgarh government, with increased equity support from the Centre.
Connecting Tribal Regions and Boosting Growth
The railway expansion places a strong focus on the Bastar and Jashpur regions. The Raoghat-Jagdalpur Railway Line Project, spanning approximately 140 kilometers, has already completed land acquisition and is currently in the final tendering phase. Furthermore, the Dharamjaigarh–Pathalgaon–Lohardaga project has been officially notified as a special rail initiative, marking a historic milestone as it brings the railway network to the Jashpur district for the first time.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that these initiatives are part of a broader vision to transform Chhattisgarh into a ‘Swarnim Chhattisgarh’ through modern infrastructure. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai noted that these rail links are essential catalysts for industrial development, trade, tourism, and better agricultural marketing. With the government assuring that work on these projects will commence shortly, the state is poised for a significant transformation in its transport landscape.