After 79 years, Railways reaches this remote town

Indian Railways reaches Chhattisgarh’s Rowghat for first time since Independence, opens new rail links (Representative image)

Indian Railways has connected Rowghat in Chhattisgarh to the national rail network for the first time since Independence, marking a major step in improving transport links to the state's remote areas. The Tadoki-Rowghat broad-gauge railway line was inaugurated on Tuesday, alongside the Abhanpur-Kurud line, with two new passenger train services also flagged off. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the inauguration programme, while Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw joined through video conferencing. The event also saw the foundation stone laid for an electric locomotive maintenance facility in Raipur.

Rowghat gets railway connectivity after decades

The arrival of trains in Rowghat marks a significant development for southern Chhattisgarh, where residents have long faced limited transport options. The new railway link is expected to make journeys easier and improve access to education, healthcare, jobs and markets. The Tadoki-Rowghat section completes the 95-km Dalli-Rajhara-Rowghat railway line, built at a cost of Rs 1,628 crore. The project reached completion with the opening of the final 17.5-km stretch between Tadoki and Rowghat.

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said development work across the state, including in the railway sector, was progressing steadily. He noted that Chhattisgarh had received an allocation of more than Rs 7,000 crore in the current Railway Budget.

Sai said the new infrastructure would improve services in remote areas and provide an additional boost to industrial activity, trade and socio-economic development.

Two new passenger train services flagged off

Two passenger services, Rowghat-Raipur and Raipur-Kurud, were flagged off during the inauguration programme. The services are expected to improve access to Raipur, the state capital, and provide more convenient travel options for residents along the routes.

The new connections could also support daily commuting and regional trade by making it easier for people and goods to move between smaller towns and larger commercial centres.

How the Rowghat railway line will support industry

Beyond passenger travel, the railway link is expected to improve the movement of iron ore from the Rowghat region. The area is important for iron ore resources that can support India's steel industry, including the Bhilai Steel Plant.

Rail connectivity can make the transportation of raw materials more efficient, helping meet industrial demand and supporting supply chains. Improved access may also encourage further economic activity and create employment opportunities in the surrounding areas.

Indian Railways expands infrastructure across Chhattisgarh

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw congratulated the people of Chhattisgarh on the completion of the projects and the launch of the new passenger services. He said railway infrastructure in the state was being expanded through new lines, gauge conversion and additional tracks.

Among the projects cited were the Dalli-Rajhara-Rowghat railway line, gauge conversion on the Kendri-Abhanpur-Rajim-Dhamtari section and other track development works.

Construction is under way on the Kharsia-Parmalkasa double-line project. The Union Cabinet has also recently approved a third railway line between Pendra Road, Bilaspur and Uslapur.

These projects are intended to expand network capacity, improve passenger connectivity and support industrial growth across the state.

Abhanpur-Kurud broad-gauge line opens for passengers

The Abhanpur-Kurud broad-gauge railway line was also inaugurated as part of the programme. The 22-km section forms part of the Abhanpur-Dhamtari project, which aims to extend broad-gauge connectivity in the region.

Passenger services are already operating between Abhanpur and Rajim following gauge conversion work. Construction on the remaining Kurud-Dhamtari section is continuing and is expected to be completed shortly.

The opening of the Abhanpur-Kurud stretch is expected to improve travel options for passengers heading towards Raipur and support local commerce and daily commuting.

Inputs from TOI