CM Vishnu Deo Sai Seeks Faster Approval and Execution of Major Railway Projects in Chhattisgarh

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presents a traditional Bastar memento to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during their meeting in New Delhi on Thursday July 30, 2026 , as Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu looks on. The discussions focused on accelerating major railway projects and strengthening connectivity from Bastar to Surguja across Chhattisgarh-Photo Credit-primelookindia.com.com via CG/PR

Meeting with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw focuses on strengthening connectivity from Bastar to Surguja and accelerating new rail corridors across underserved regions

Raipur : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai held detailed discussions with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi on Thursday July 30, 2026 to accelerate major railway projects, expand the state’s rail network and improve connectivity across industrial, tribal and geographically underserved regions.

Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu and Rajnandgaon MP Santosh Pandey were also present during the meeting.

The Chief Minister said railway expansion was not merely a matter of passenger convenience but an essential foundation for Chhattisgarh’s balanced and inclusive development. He stressed that stronger rail connectivity would support industrial growth, mineral transportation, agricultural marketing, tourism, employment and the development of tribal regions.

“The expansion of the railway network will become a strong foundation for the balanced and inclusive development of Chhattisgarh.”
— Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Sai said Chhattisgarh holds strategic importance for the country because of its industrial, mineral and agricultural resources. He added that the state government was working in close coordination with the Centre to ensure that the benefits of the ongoing national railway infrastructure expansion reach every region of Chhattisgarh.

Katghora–Dongargarh Rail Project Discussed

The proposed 295-km Katghora–Dongargarh railway line figured prominently in the meeting. The project is expected to be developed through a joint venture between the Ministry of Railways and the Chhattisgarh Government, with a Special Purpose Vehicle being established for its execution.

The line is proposed to pass through Katghora, Kartala, Mungeli, Kawardha and Khairagarh before reaching Dongargarh. Several areas along the route would receive railway connectivity for the first time.

The Chief Minister said the project would stimulate regional development, support industry and provide improved transportation facilities to a large population.

Raoghat–Jagdalpur Project Nears Construction Stage

The progress of the approximately 140-km Raoghat–Jagdalpur railway line was also reviewed.

Sai said the necessary land-acquisition process had been completed and the railway tendering process was in its final stage. He urged the Ministry to begin construction at the earliest, saying the line would significantly strengthen Bastar’s connectivity and create new momentum for the region’s social and economic development.

“Rail connectivity in Bastar will support not only mobility but also development, employment, tourism and wider economic participation.”

Early Approval Sought for Three Major Corridors

The Chief Minister requested early approval for three strategically important railway projects:

• Sardega–Pathalgaon–Ambikapur: 244 km
• Dharamjaigarh–Pathalgaon–Lohardaga: 301 km
• Ambikapur–Barwadih: 200 km

He said these routes would improve rail connectivity in northern Chhattisgarh and adjoining border areas while creating opportunities in trade, tourism, mineral transportation and local employment.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reportedly assured positive consideration towards advancing the approval process.

Survey Progress Reviewed for Bastar Routes

The meeting also reviewed surveys for the proposed:

• Kirandul–Kothagudem railway line: 180 km
• Gadchiroli–Bijapur–Kirandul/Bacheli railway line: 490 km

Sai requested that the surveys be completed quickly so that subsequent approvals and execution could begin. He said stronger connectivity in Bastar would complement ongoing development and security efforts in the region.

Centre–State Coordination Key to Rail Expansion

Thanking the Railway Minister, the Chief Minister said the Centre’s cooperation was enabling Chhattisgarh to enter a new phase of railway development.

He expressed confidence that the proposed projects would improve the movement of minerals and agricultural produce, promote tourism, strengthen industrial activity and bring remote tribal areas closer to major economic centres.

“Coordinated efforts between the Centre and the State will strengthen Chhattisgarh’s rail network and give fresh momentum to the vision of a developed Chhattisgarh.”
— Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai