TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 28, 2024: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai extended his congratulations to the people of Chhattisgarh following the Union Cabinet’s approval of the Bhalumuda-Sardega rail project, a significant infrastructure initiative costing Rs 1,360 crore. The project, which involves the construction of a 37 km double rail line from Bhalumuda in Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh district to Sardega in Odisha, is expected to significantly enhance connectivity for a large portion of the state’s population, particularly in tribal-dominated areas, and contribute to regional development.
Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Chief Minister Shri Sai highlighted the project’s potential benefits. The new rail line is projected to generate 25 lakh man-days of employment and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 84 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting 3.4 crore trees.
Shri Sai emphasized that the Bhalumuda-Sardega route will play a crucial role in the transportation of goods such as agricultural products, fertilizers, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, and limestone. He noted that the project will provide direct connectivity between Chhattisgarh and other states, improving traffic flow and enhancing the efficiency and service reliability of Indian Railways.
The approval of this project is part of a broader decision by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Modi, to greenlight three railway projects totaling approximately Rs 6,456 crore. These projects, spanning 300 km across seven districts in Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh, aim to expand the Indian Railways network, improve logistics efficiency, and accelerate economic growth in remote areas. The multi-tracking proposals are also expected to alleviate congestion on some of the busiest sections of the railways, fostering the development of essential infrastructure.
