Train reaches Raoghat in Chhattisgarh for the first time since independence, a major boost to rail connectivity

October 20, 2026

Bilaspur: A historic milestone was achieved on Tuesday in the expansion of Chhattisgarh’s rail network. Indian Railways inaugurated the Tadoki-Raoghat and Abhanpur-Kurud broad-gauge rail lines. New passenger train services between Raoghat-Raipur and Raipur-Kurud were also flagged off. The foundation stone for an electric locomotive maintenance center was laid in Raipur.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai was present at these events, while Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav joined via video conferencing.

The arrival of a train at Raoghat for the first time since independence was the biggest achievement of this project. This marks a significant step towards connecting the remote southern regions of the state to the national rail network.

Rail line completed at a cost of ₹1,628 crore

The Dallirajhara-Raoghat rail line has a total length of 95 kilometers and was completed at a cost of ₹1,628 crore. With the opening of the 17.5-kilometer section between Tadoki and Raoghat, the rail line is fully operational.

This rail link will facilitate local residents’ access to education, health services, employment, and business. Furthermore, it is expected to accelerate the transportation of iron ore from the Raoghat region. This will also support the Bhilai Steel Plant and the country’s iron and steel industry.

Chhattisgarh receives over ₹7,000 crore in the Railway Budget

Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav on behalf of the state’s 30 million people.

He informed that Chhattisgarh has received over ₹7,000 crore in the Railway Budget this year. This reflects the continued focus on improving railway infrastructure, connectivity, and passenger amenities in the state.

The Chief Minister stated that these projects will provide a new impetus to industrial, commercial, and socio-economic development in remote areas.

Work on several railway projects also underway

While congratulating the people of Chhattisgarh, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav highlighted the ongoing and completed railway projects in the state. These include the Dallirajhara-Raoghat railway line, the gauge conversion of the Kendi-Abhanpur-Rajim-Dhamtari section, multi-tracking projects, and the recently approved Pendra Road-Bilaspur-Uslapur third railway line.

In addition, work on the Kharsia-Parmalkasa double line is also underway.

As part of the gauge conversion of the Abhanpur-Dhamtari section, the 22-kilometer section between Abhanpur-Kurud has been completed. This will increase travel options to Raipur and benefit regional businesses and daily commuters. The remaining work on the Kurud-Dhamtari section is expected to be completed soon.

Raipur-Raoghat travel fare reduced to ₹55

Passengers will only have to pay ₹55 on the new Raipur-Raoghat rail service. This will provide affordable transportation for students, youth, and daily commuters.

The proposed electric locomotive maintenance center in Raipur will have the capacity to maintain up to 300 high-horsepower electric locomotives. This will improve engine availability, help meet growing freight needs, and strengthen railway operations.

These projects are expected to expand rail connectivity, passenger amenities, and economic opportunities in Chhattisgarh.

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