Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai paid a courtesy visit to Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi today. During the meeting, both leaders held an in-depth discussion on the expansion of railway facilities in Chhattisgarh, progress of new projects, and timely completion of ongoing works.
The Chief Minister urged that all approved projects in the state be executed in a time-bound manner to ensure faster, safer, and more efficient transportation facilities for citizens, industries, and the business community.
Railway Minister Shri Vaishnaw welcomed the points raised by the Chief Minister and assured that the Ministry of Railways is fully committed to strengthening connectivity in Chhattisgarh.
The meeting was attended by Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary Shri Rahul Bhagat, and Commerce & Industries Department Secretary Shri Rajat Kumar.
Rail Development in Chhattisgarh Accelerating Under Double-Engine Governance
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, rail development in Chhattisgarh has gained unprecedented momentum. With the coordinated efforts of the double-engine government, the state’s railway network is entering a new golden era.
He highlighted that the commencement of the Raipur–Jabalpur Express has boosted tourism, trade, and education. He added that while only 1,100 km of railway line was added between 1853 and 2014, the state is now poised to double its rail network between 2014 and 2030.
A 22-fold increase in the state’s railway budget over the last decade, and a historic allocation of ₹6,925 crore for FY 2025–26, clearly reflects the transformation achieved under the Prime Minister’s leadership.
Major Railway Projects Worth ₹47,447 Crore Advancing Rapidly
Several large-scale railway projects—together valued at over ₹47,447 crore—are advancing at an accelerated pace. These include:
Kharsia–Nava Raipur–Parmalaksa
Gevra–Pendra
Rowghat–Jagdalpur
Kharsia–Dharamjaigarh
Bilaspur–Jharsuguda Fourth Line
These projects will significantly enhance Chhattisgarh’s rail connectivity.
The Chief Minister also shared that under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, the modern redevelopment of 32 railway stations— including Raipur, Bilaspur, and Durg— is progressing swiftly to provide world-class passenger amenities.
CM Expresses Gratitude to PM and Railway Minister
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai expressed heartfelt gratitude, on behalf of the 3 crore people of Chhattisgarh, to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw. He said he is confident that with the joint efforts of the central and state governments, Chhattisgarh will soon emerge as one of India’s most important rail corridor states.
He added that the expansion of rail connectivity will inject new energy into the state’s industrial, economic, social, and tourism potential.
