Raipur (thestates.news) | Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai met Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw during his visit to New Delhi on July 30. He held detailed discussions on the expansion of railway infrastructure, new rail projects, and the progress of pending railway lines in Chhattisgarh.
The Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh is one of the country’s most important states in terms of industry, mineral resources, and agriculture. He stated that expanding the railway network is not merely a matter of improving transportation but is also crucial for industrial growth, trade, tourism, agricultural marketing, the development of tribal regions, and balanced regional progress. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Chhattisgarh is benefiting from the unprecedented expansion of railway infrastructure across the country, and the state government is working in close coordination with the Central Government to accelerate these efforts.
A major focus of the meeting was the Katghora–Dongargarh New Railway Line Project. It was informed that the approximately 295-kilometre rail corridor will be developed through a joint venture between the Ministry of Railways and the Government of Chhattisgarh. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be formed for the implementation of the project. The railway line will connect Katghora, Kartala, Mungeli, Kawardha, Khairagarh, and Dongargarh, bringing railway connectivity for the first time to several regions that currently have no rail access. The Chief Minister said the project will accelerate regional development, promote industrial growth, and provide improved transportation facilities to millions of people.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Raoghat–Jagdalpur Railway Line Project. The Chief Minister said that land acquisition for the approximately 140-kilometre railway line has been completed and that the railway tendering process is in its final stage. He expressed confidence that the early commencement of construction would significantly strengthen connectivity in the Bastar region and provide fresh momentum to its social and economic development.
Chief Minister Shri Sai requested the early approval of three other important railway projects in the state—Sardega–Pathalgaon–Ambikapur (244 km), Dharamjaigarh–Pathalgaon–Lohardaga (301 km), and Ambikapur–Barwadih (200 km). He said these projects would strengthen rail connectivity in northern Chhattisgarh and adjoining regions while creating new opportunities for trade, tourism, mineral transportation, and local employment. Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw assured that positive steps would be taken towards granting early approval to these projects.
The progress of survey work for the Kirandul–Kothagudem (180 km) and Gadchiroli–Bijapur–Kirandul (Bacheli) (490 km) railway line projects was also reviewed during the meeting. The Chief Minister requested that the survey work be completed at the earliest so that further action could begin, strengthening connectivity in the Bastar region and supporting both development and security-related initiatives.
