Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met with Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss several pivotal railway projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth in the state.
In a crucial meeting held at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, Chief Minister Sai emphasised the significance of expanding Chhattisgarh's rail network to bolster social and economic development across the region. He urged the Union Minister to expedite four major railway projects: the Dharamjaigarh-Pathalgaon-Lohardaga New Line Project, the Ambikapur-Barwadih New Line Project, the Kharsia-Naya Raipur-Parmalaksa New Rail Line Project, and the Raoghat-Jagdalpur New Rail Line Project.
Dharamjaigarh-Pathalgaon-Lohardaga New Line Project:
This 240 km project will enhance connectivity between north Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, linking towns such as Pathalgaon, Kunkuri, Jashpur Nagar, and Gumla. The project, estimated to cost Rs 16,000 crores, aims to connect the industrial region of Korba with Lohardaga and further integrate central India through Korba and Ranchi.
Ambikapur-Barwadih New Line Project:
This 200 km project, with an estimated cost of Rs 9,000 crores, is a long-pending demand and will connect Ambikapur in North Chhattisgarh with Barwadih in Jharkhand. It will provide an alternative route for transporting coal and other minerals, enhancing the integration of the local economy with the rest of the country.
Kharsia-New Raipur-Parmalkasa New Railway Line Project:
This 277 km project, costing approximately Rs 8,000 crores, will provide an alternative route for the evacuation of coal from SECL and MCL coalfields to western India. It will bypass Bilaspur and Raipur stations, connect the cement-rich region of Baloda Bazar, and link Shivrinarayan, a pilgrimage town.
Rowghat-Jagdalpur New Railway Line Project:
Extending the existing Dallirajhara-Rowghat 95 km railway line to Jagdalpur, this project will promote economic and social development in the tribal areas of Bastar, Kondagaon, and Narayanpur. It will enhance the transport of iron ores from the mineral-rich Bastar region to steel industries in Chhattisgarh, with an estimated cost of Rs 3,500 crores.
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw acknowledged the strategic importance of these projects and assured the Chief Minister of prioritising their swift implementation. He emphasised that these initiatives are crucial for the holistic development of Chhattisgarh and will be given top priority.
