Average Annual Railway Budget Increases 24-Fold Compared to Pre-2014 Levels; 36 Infrastructure Projects Underway Across the State
Raipur, Chhattisgarh: Chhattisgarh has emerged as one of India’s rapidly developing railway infrastructure hubs, with the Ministry of Railways significantly increasing investments in the state’s rail network over the past decade. According to the Union Ministry of Railways, the annual railway budget allocation for Chhattisgarh has increased 24 times compared to the pre-2014 period.
For the Financial Year 2026–27, the state has been allocated ₹7,470 crore for railway infrastructure and safety projects, a substantial rise from the average annual allocation of ₹311 crore during 2009–2014.
The details were shared by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha. He stated that the government’s focus is on strengthening passenger amenities, expanding rail connectivity in tribal, backward, and mineral-rich regions, and increasing the railway’s freight carrying capacity.
Rail Line Construction Accelerates 17-Fold
The pace of new railway line construction in Chhattisgarh has witnessed remarkable growth. During the 2009–2014 period, only 6.4 kilometres of new railway lines were commissioned annually on average.
Between 2014 and 2026, this figure increased dramatically to 109.29 kilometres per year, with a total of 1,311 kilometres of new railway tracks commissioned during the period—representing a 17-fold increase in construction speed.
36 Railway Projects Worth ₹48,202 Crore Under Implementation
As of April 1, 2026, a total of 36 railway projects are under various stages of implementation across Chhattisgarh.
These include:
- 8 New Railway Line Projects
- 28 Doubling Projects
Together, these projects cover 2,398 kilometres of railway network with an approved investment of ₹48,202 crore.
Out of the total, 1,151 kilometres of railway lines have already been completed and commissioned.
Major Railway Projects Already Completed
Several key railway infrastructure projects have been successfully completed in the state, strengthening both passenger and freight transportation.
Dalli Rajhara–Rowghat New Rail Line
- Length: 95 km
- Cost: ₹1,628 crore
The project plays a crucial role in connecting steel plants with important sources of iron ore and other raw materials.
Champa–Jharsuguda Third Line
- Length: 152 km
- Cost: ₹1,227 crore
The additional line has significantly enhanced the capacity of one of India’s busiest freight corridors.
Raipur–Titlagarh Doubling Project
- Length: 203 km
- Cost: ₹1,171 crore
The doubling project has improved train operations and reduced congestion on this important railway route.
Kharsia–Korichhapar New Rail Line
- Length: 43 km
- Cost: ₹851 crore
The project has strengthened rail connectivity to key mining regions, facilitating faster transportation of minerals.
Major Railway Projects Under Construction
Several high-value railway projects are currently under construction and are expected to significantly improve connectivity across the state.
Kharsia–Parmalakasa Double Rail Line
- Length: 278 km
- Estimated Cost: ₹7,854 crore
Gevra Road–Pendra Road New Rail Line
- Length: 135 km
- Estimated Cost: ₹3,724 crore
Rowghat–Jagdalpur New Rail Line
- Length: 140 km
- Estimated Cost: ₹3,513 crore
This project is considered strategically important for expanding railway connectivity in the Bastar region.
Kharsia–Dharamjaigarh New Rail Line
- Length: 122 km
- Estimated Cost: ₹3,407 crore
Rail Connectivity to Reach Tribal and Remote Areas
The Ministry of Railways has intensified efforts to extend railway connectivity to remote and tribal regions of Chhattisgarh that remain outside the existing rail network.
Recently, 14 Final Location Surveys (FLS) covering 2,455 kilometres have been approved.
Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have also been prepared for several major routes, including:
- Ambikapur–Ramanujganj–Garhwa Road/Barwadih – 262 km
- Sardega–Pathalgaon–Ambikapur – 218 km
- Dharamjaigarh–Pathalgaon–Lohardaga – 292 km
In addition, field surveys are underway for several strategic railway corridors connecting tribal and mineral-rich areas, including:
- Gadchiroli–Bijapur–Bacheli – 490 km
- Kothagudem–Kirandul – 180 km
- Dhamtari–Banskot–Amravati–Kondagaon – 183 km
Passenger Services Receive a Major Boost
To meet the growing travel demand, Indian Railways has introduced 18 new train services for passengers in Chhattisgarh.
The state is currently served by two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains:
- Durg–Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express
- Bilaspur–Nagpur Vande Bharat Express
Additionally, one pair of Amrit Bharat Express operating between Udhna and Brahmapur passes through the state.
For regional connectivity, several MEMU and DEMU services—including the Raipur–Antagarh DEMU—have also been introduced. Local railway connectivity around Raipur, Rajim, Abhanpur, and surrounding areas is being strengthened to improve commuter transportation.
Challenges in Project Execution
The Ministry of Railways noted that railway infrastructure projects involve several complex processes, including forest clearances, land acquisition, utility shifting, and addressing geographical and geological challenges.
Despite these hurdles, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to systematically resolving implementation issues and delivering a modern, efficient, and world-class railway infrastructure for the people of Chhattisgarh.
Strengthening the State’s Growth Engine
The unprecedented increase in railway investment reflects the government’s long-term strategy to transform Chhattisgarh into a major logistics and industrial hub. With large-scale infrastructure projects, expanded passenger services, and improved connectivity to tribal and mineral-rich regions, the state is poised to witness faster economic growth, industrial expansion, and enhanced regional development in the coming years.
