Historic Rail Link to Ravghat Marks New Era for Chhattisgarh Development
Chhattisgarhs rail network expands as the new Ravghat line opens, promising growth in education, health, and trade for the region.
Raipur, October 19 (Daily Kiran) : A significant milestone in Chhattisgarh’s rail history is set for October 20, as the first train reaches Ravghat since independence. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai will inaugurate the Tadoki-Ravghat and Abhanpur-Kurud broad gauge rail lines.
In addition to the rail lines, new passenger services connecting Ravghat-Raipur and Raipur-Kurud will also be launched. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will participate via video conference.
Expressing his congratulations to the people of Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Sai emphasized that the arrival of the railway to Ravghat is not merely an expansion of the rail network but a crucial step in linking the remote areas of Bastar and southern Chhattisgarh to new development opportunities. This development is expected to enhance access to education, healthcare, employment, trade, and transportation, accelerating the region’s socio-economic growth.
Sai noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Chhattisgarh is witnessing unprecedented expansion in railway infrastructure. The government’s commitment is to ensure modern transportation reaches even the most remote and tribal areas, benefiting every citizen.
The new rail line, stretching 95 kilometers from Dalli Rajhara to Ravghat, has been completed at a cost of approximately ₹1,628 crore. With the construction of the 17.5-kilometer line from Tadoki to Ravghat finalized, this vital project is now operational.
Establishing rail connectivity to Ravghat will improve transportation for local residents and facilitate easier access to educational, health, employment, and commercial opportunities. This will also boost industrial and economic activities, particularly in transporting iron ore from the Ravghat area to meet the needs of the Bhilai Steel Plant and the broader steel industry.
Additionally, the gauge conversion project between Abhanpur and Kurud has successfully completed 22 kilometers of rail line, enhancing rail connectivity and providing passengers with improved access to the state capital, Raipur. Work on the remaining Kurud-Dhamtari section is ongoing.
The new passenger services between Ravghat-Raipur and Raipur-Kurud will directly benefit students, professionals, farmers, traders, and general travelers, promoting activities related to education, healthcare, commerce, agriculture, and tourism.
A new electric rail engine maintenance facility will also be inaugurated in Raipur. Once developed, this modern facility will have the capacity to maintain 300 high horsepower electric locomotives, streamlining rail operations and meeting increasing freight transport demands.
Chief Minister Sai concluded that the new rail lines, passenger services, and modern infrastructure will accelerate Chhattisgarh’s development journey. The arrival of the train to Ravghat symbolizes not just the beginning of travel but also a new chapter of growth, hope, and opportunities in Bastar.
