Raipur: Indian Railways has announced an ambitious plan to double the train handling and operational capacity in 48 major cities across the country over the next five years, with Chhattisgarh’s capital Raipur included among the selected cities. Welcoming the decision, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the move would bring direct and long-term benefits to the state, significantly improving connectivity, trade, industry and tourism.
Major Boost for Chhattisgarh’s Rail Connectivity
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Railways is undergoing rapid modernisation. He noted that the plan announced by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw would directly benefit emerging states like Chhattisgarh. Raipur Junction, one of the country’s important railway junctions, handles lakhs of passengers every day. Doubling operational capacity will result in more trains, better frequency and reduced congestion for commuters.
Economic Growth and Industrial Expansion
CM Sai stated that the expansion of railway infrastructure in Raipur and other commercial and industrial centres would act as a catalyst for economic growth. Improved rail connectivity will ease logistics, attract investment, generate employment and support faster industrial development, thereby giving a major push to the state’s economy.
Infrastructure Development Planned Till 2030
According to information released by the Railway Ministry, several measures will be implemented to double train handling capacity by 2030. These include construction of additional platforms, pit lines and stabling lines at existing terminals, development of new terminals in urban and suburban areas, modernisation of signalling and yards, multi-tracking to increase sectional capacity, and establishment of mega coaching complexes with advanced maintenance facilities.
Chhattisgarh to Emerge as a Top Rail-Connected State
The Chief Minister said that once these facilities are developed in Raipur, the benefits will extend to all sections of society, including students, patients, traders, industrialists and daily commuters. He assured that the state government would work in close coordination with the Railway Ministry to ensure timely implementation of the projects. Expressing confidence, CM Sai said Chhattisgarh would soon be counted among the best rail-connected states in the country, strengthening the vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047”.
Railway Expansion Works in Full Swing
Railway infrastructure expansion in Chhattisgarh is progressing rapidly with an investment of ₹41,000 crore. The projects include new railway lines, doubling of existing tracks, construction of flyovers and bridges. In the current Union Budget, ₹6,925 crore has been allocated for railway development in the state, which will help accelerate the completion of ongoing and upcoming projects. Notably, 100 per cent railway electrification has already been achieved across Chhattisgarh.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for strengthening rail connectivity in Chhattisgarh. He said the state has received unprecedented railway projects under the current leadership, which will take development to new heights and provide better facilities to passengers.
Progress on Key Rail Projects
Several long-term railway projects are underway in the state, including the Raoghat–Jagdalpur, Dharamjaigarh–Lohardaga and Kharsia–Naya Raipur–Parmalkasa lines. The Dalli Rajhara–Antagarh section under the Raoghat line has already been commissioned and passenger services have started, while extension work towards Raoghat is in progress to support iron ore supply to Bhilai Steel Plant.
Similarly, under the K.K. line doubling project, 148 km out of 170 km has been completed, improving connectivity in Bastar and Dantewada districts. The 295 km Dongargarh–Kawardha–Katghora rail line project, costing ₹4,021 crore, is expected to boost mineral transport, passenger facilities and employment. New lines such as Korba–Ambikapur and the proposed Gadchiroli–Bijapur–Bacheli project will further enhance regional development, while the Sardegh–Bhalumuda double line will strengthen rail links between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
