Raipur: Indian Railways has achieved a historic milestone in Chhattisgarh, with a train reaching Rowghat for the first time since Independence. The development follows the inauguration of the Tadoki–Rowghat railway section and the Abhanpur–Kurud broad-gauge line on October 20.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the inauguration, while Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw joined the programme through video conferencing. Passenger services between Raipur and Rowghat, and Raipur and Kurud, were also flagged off.
The event marked an expansion of rail connectivity in the state’s remote areas, particularly in the Bastar region, while strengthening links between smaller towns and the state capital.
95-Km Dalli-Rajhara–Rowghat Railway Line Completed
The Tadoki–Rowghat section completes the 95-km Dalli-Rajhara–Rowghat railway line, built at a reported cost of ₹1,628 crore.
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The final stretch, measuring 17.5 km between Tadoki and Rowghat, has brought the entire line into operation. Passenger services had already been running on the 77.5-km Dalli-Rajhara–Tadoki section.
The railway connection is expected to improve access to education, healthcare, employment and commercial services for people in remote parts of southern Chhattisgarh.
Abhanpur–Kurud Broad-Gauge Line Opens
The second inauguration involved the Abhanpur–Kurud section, developed as part of the gauge-conversion work on the existing railway network.
The 22-km Abhanpur–Kurud section has been converted to broad gauge, extending rail connectivity towards Kurud. Work on the remaining Kurud–Dhamtari section is still underway, according to reports.
The new connection is intended to improve passenger movement between the region and Raipur, offering another rail option for people travelling for work, education, healthcare and trade.
New Passenger Trains Connect Remote Areas to Raipur
The inauguration included the launch of two passenger services:
- Raipur–Rowghat: Connecting the state capital with Rowghat through the Dalli-Rajhara–Tadoki route.
- Raipur–Kurud: Improving rail access for passengers travelling between Raipur and the Kurud area.
The services are expected to benefit students, employees, traders, farmers and other residents who need to travel to the state capital.
Improved rail connectivity can also provide an alternative to road transport for routine journeys and help connect rural and semi-urban communities with essential services.
Rail Link May Support Iron Ore Transportation
Beyond passenger movement, the Dalli-Rajhara–Rowghat project has industrial significance because of the iron ore resources in the Rowghat region.
The railway line is expected to facilitate the movement of iron ore from the region towards the Bhilai Steel Plant, supporting raw-material transportation for the steel industry.
The broader Dalli-Rajhara–Rowghat–Jagdalpur railway project is planned to extend rail connectivity further into southern Chhattisgarh. Future extensions are expected to improve links with Jagdalpur and, eventually, areas beyond the state.
The line forms part of a wider railway development effort involving the Railways, the Chhattisgarh government and public-sector organisations, including the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) and the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
Foundation Stone Laid for Electric Locomotive Maintenance Facility
A further railway infrastructure initiative was announced at the event with the laying of the foundation stone for an electric locomotive maintenance facility in Raipur.
The facility is intended to strengthen the maintenance infrastructure supporting electric locomotives and improve operational capacity as rail traffic expands.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also highlighted other projects underway in Chhattisgarh, including additional rail lines and multi-tracking works.
Chhattisgarh Railway Projects Worth ₹57,000 Crore Underway
Vaishnaw said railway projects worth approximately ₹57,000 crore were being implemented in Chhattisgarh. He also noted that the state had achieved complete railway electrification.
The railway expansion programme includes projects aimed at improving passenger connectivity, freight movement and infrastructure capacity across the state.
The inauguration of the Tadoki–Rowghat and Abhanpur–Kurud sections adds to these efforts by bringing a previously unconnected area onto the rail network and extending broad-gauge connectivity towards Kurud.
The arrival of a train at Rowghat marks a significant change for the area, while the newly launched passenger services provide additional transport options for residents. The longer-term impact will depend on the expansion of the network, the use of the new services and the completion of connecting railway projects.
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