RAIPUR, October 19: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will inaugurate two major railway projects and flag off two new passenger train services in Chhattisgarh on Monday, marking the arrival of rail connectivity to Rowghat for the first time since Independence.
The inauguration will cover the Tadoki–Rowghat and Abhanpur–Kurud broad gauge railway lines, along with the launch of Rowghat–Raipur and Raipur–Kurud passenger train services. Authorities will also lay the foundation stone for an electric locomotive maintenance facility in Raipur.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai will attend the programmes in person, while Vaishnaw will participate through video conferencing.
Rail connectivity reaches Rowghat
Engineers have completed the 95-km Dallirajhara–Rowghat railway line at a cost of ₹1,628 crore. The project has reached completion with the commissioning of the 17.5-km Tadoki–Rowghat section.
The extension is expected to improve transportation facilities for residents of remote areas of southern Chhattisgarh, providing easier access to education, healthcare, employment and trade.
The railway line will also support industrial and economic growth by facilitating the transportation of iron ore from the Rowghat region to meet the requirements of the Bhilai Steel Plant and the domestic steel industry.
Abhanpur–Kurud broad gauge line completed
Railway authorities have completed the gauge conversion work on the 22-km Abhanpur–Kurud section under the Abhanpur–Dhamtari railway project. Work on the remaining Kurud–Dhamtari section is progressing.
The new broad gauge line will strengthen regional rail connectivity and provide passengers with improved access to Raipur, the state capital. It is also expected to facilitate daily commuting, business activities and regional trade.
New passenger trains to connect Rowghat and Kurud with Raipur
The launch of the Rowghat–Raipur and Raipur–Kurud passenger train services will establish direct rail links between these areas and the state capital.
The new services are expected to benefit students, workers, traders and farmers by offering a convenient and affordable mode of transportation.
Farmers, in particular, will gain an additional option for transporting agricultural produce to larger markets, potentially improving access to buyers and strengthening rural trade.
Electric locomotive maintenance facility planned in Raipur
Authorities will also lay the foundation stone for an electric locomotive maintenance facility in Raipur to strengthen railway infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.
Once completed, the facility will have the capacity to service up to 300 high-horsepower electric locomotives. It is expected to improve locomotive availability, strengthen railway maintenance capabilities and support the growing requirements of freight transportation across the country.
