Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually inaugurated the Satna–Devendranagar and Rewa–Churhat rail sections on Saturday. They also flagged off the Devendranagar–Churhat train service. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav joined the programme virtually from Sardarpur in Dhar district, while the main events were held at Nagod and Churhat railway stations.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the new rail links marked a significant milestone for Vindhya and Bundelkhand, expanding the railway network across the region and addressing the long-standing demand for better rail connectivity. He said, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi that Madhya Pradesh had benefited from railway projects worth approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore. The Chief Minister said improved rail connectivity would help farmers transport their produce to larger markets, expand trade and strengthen logistics. Students and other passengers would also gain better travel options. The project would improve connectivity to Panna, Rewa, Sidhi, Singrauli and Satna, among other areas of Vindhya and Bundelkhand, while strengthening links between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that railway expansion was progressing rapidly across Madhya Pradesh, with modern services such as Vande Bharat already operating. Describing the period as an important phase in the state’s development, he announced that the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga–Khandwa rail line would also be inaugurated soon. On behalf of the people of Vindhya and Bundelkhand, he thanked Prime Minister Shri Modi and Union Railway Minister Shri Vaishnaw for the new rail connectivity.
Union Railway Minister Shri Vaishnaw described the occasion as a landmark step towards creating a new lifeline for Vindhya and Bundelkhand. He said the project would fulfil a long-standing aspiration by connecting these historically and culturally significant regions more effectively to the railway network. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, efforts were underway to expand rail services and connect more parts of the country. Shri Vaishnaw said the new services would benefit Satna, Devendranagar, Rewa, Churhat and surrounding areas. Improved connectivity would encourage industrial activity and create opportunities for developing new industrial corridors in Vindhya and Bundelkhand. Improved rail connectivity would also facilitate access to healthcare and other essential services while boosting the local economy. The Union Minister said railway projects worth approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore were underway in Madhya Pradesh. Development work was also progressing at several railway stations to improve infrastructure and passenger facilities, including those in Khajuraho and Gwalior. The state plans to introduce more than 100 long- and short-distance train services, including several MEMU services, in the coming years. He added that a grand railway station was being developed at Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Union Minister Shri Vaishnav said that the redeveloped Gwalior station would rival the grandeur of major airports. He emphasised that Indian Railways was serving the people with dedication and a strong sense of duty.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla; Minister of State for Urban Development and Housing Smt. Pratima Bagri; Satna MP Shri Ganesh Singh; Rewa MP Shri Janardan Mishra; Khajuraho MP Shri Vishnu Dutt Sharma; Sidhi MP Dr. Rajesh Mishra; Railway General Manager Shri Dilip Kumar; Jabalpur Divisional Railway Manager Shri K.K. Talreja; other public representatives, railway officials and dignitaries attended the events at Nagod and Churhat railway stations.
