Raoghat, Chhattisgarh: In a significant leap for Chhattisgarh’s railway network, a passenger train arrived in Raoghat for the first time since Independence, marking a new chapter in connecting the state’s remote southern regions to the national grid.
The Indian Railways officially inaugurated the Tadoki–Raoghat and Abhanpur–Kurud broad-gauge lines on Tuesday. New passenger services between Raoghat–Raipur and Raipur–Kurud were also flagged off, alongside the laying of a foundation stone for an electric locomotive maintenance facility in Raipur.
The 95-km Dalli-Rajhara–Rowghat line, completed at a cost of ₹1,628 crore, is now fully operational with the integration of the 17.5-km Tadoki–Raoghat stretch. This enhanced connectivity is set to transform daily life for local residents by improving access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, while also facilitating trade. Crucially, it will accelerate the transportation of iron ore from the Rowghat region, vital for supporting the Bhilai Steel Plant and the wider iron and steel industry.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, present at the event, extended gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who joined via video conferencing. Sai highlighted that Chhattisgarh has received over ₹7,000 crore in this year’s railway budget, underscoring a sustained focus on infrastructure development. Minister Vaishnaw congratulated the people of Chhattisgarh and detailed ongoing projects, including the Dalli-Rajhara–Rowghat line and the gauge conversion of the Abhanpur–Dhamtari section. The new Raipur–Raoghat service is particularly affordable, costing only ₹55, making daily travel accessible for students and commuters. These initiatives are expected to significantly boost industrial, commercial, and socio-economic growth in the region.