Tadoki–Rowghat and Abhanpur–Kurud broad-gauge railway lines to be inaugurated on October 20 in the presence of Chief Minister Sai
New passenger train services between Rowghat and Raipur, and Raipur and Kurud, to be launched; foundation stone to be laid for an electric locomotive maintenance facility in Raipur
Rail connectivity to Rowghat will accelerate development, employment and economic activity in the Bastar region: Chief Minister
Modern railway facilities rapidly expanding to Chhattisgarh’s remote areas under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership: CM Sai
Raipur, October 2026: October 20 is set to be recorded as a historic milestone in Chhattisgarh’s railway history, as trains will reach Rowghat for the first time since Independence.
In the presence of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the Tadoki–Rowghat and Abhanpur–Kurud broad-gauge railway lines will be inaugurated. New passenger train services between Rowghat and Raipur, and Raipur and Kurud, will also be launched. In addition, the foundation stone will be laid for an electric locomotive maintenance facility in Raipur. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will participate in the programme through video conferencing.
Congratulating the people of Chhattisgarh on this historic achievement, Chief Minister Sai said that extending rail connectivity to Rowghat was not merely an expansion of the railway network. It was a significant step towards connecting remote areas of Bastar and southern Chhattisgarh with new development opportunities.
He said the railway link would improve access to education, healthcare, employment, trade and transportation, while giving fresh momentum to the region’s socio-economic development.
Sai added that Chhattisgarh was witnessing an unprecedented expansion of railway infrastructure under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The commitment of the double-engine government, he said, was to ensure that modern transport facilities reached even the state’s remote and tribal areas and that the benefits of development extended to the last person.
Rail Connectivity to Rowghat to Accelerate Bastar’s Development
A new 95-kilometre railway line between Dalli Rajhara and Rowghat has been completed at a cost of approximately ₹1,628 crore. With the completion of the 17.5-kilometre section between Tadoki and Rowghat, this important railway project has reached completion.
The new rail link will provide residents with better transportation facilities and improve access to education, healthcare, employment and business opportunities. It is also expected to boost industrial and economic activities in the region.
The railway connection will be particularly significant for transporting iron ore from the Rowghat region and meeting the requirements of the country’s steel industry, including the Bhilai Steel Plant.
Abhanpur–Kurud Broad-Gauge Line to Improve Connectivity with the Capital
Under the Abhanpur–Dhamtari gauge-conversion project, work to convert the 22-kilometre railway line between Abhanpur and Kurud to broad gauge has been completed.
The inauguration will expand rail connectivity in the region and provide passengers with improved transportation facilities to the state capital, Raipur. Work on the remaining Kurud–Dhamtari section of the project is currently in progress.
The launch of passenger train services between Rowghat and Raipur, and Raipur and Kurud, will provide direct rail connectivity to students, salaried employees, farmers, traders and other passengers.
The services are also expected to encourage activities related to education, healthcare, trade, agriculture and tourism.
Modern Electric Locomotive Maintenance Facility to Be Developed in Raipur
The foundation stone will also be laid for an electric locomotive maintenance facility in Raipur. Once developed, the modern facility will have the capacity to maintain 300 high-horsepower electric locomotives in the future.
The facility will help ensure smoother railway operations and support the growing requirements of freight transportation.
Chief Minister Sai said the new railway lines, passenger services and modern railway infrastructure would give fresh momentum to Chhattisgarh’s development journey.
He added that the sound of a train reaching Rowghat would signify more than the beginning of a journey. It would mark the start of a new era of development, trust and opportunities for the Bastar region.
