TFP Bureau, Raipur, December 27, 2025: In a landmark decision aimed at transforming rail connectivity across the country, Indian Railways has drawn up an ambitious plan to double the operating capacity of trains in 48 major cities over the next five years, with Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, included prominently in the national initiative. The move is expected to significantly improve passenger convenience, reduce congestion and accelerate economic activity in the state.
Welcoming the decision, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described it as “a major gift for passengers” and said it would usher in a new era of connectivity, trade and industrial growth in Chhattisgarh. He said the initiative reflects the Union government’s commitment to modernising railway infrastructure in line with rising passenger demand and the country’s long-term development goals.
The Chief Minister noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Railways is undergoing unprecedented modernisation. He said the plan announced by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw would directly benefit emerging states like Chhattisgarh. Raipur Junction, he pointed out, is one of the busiest railway junctions in central India, handling lakhs of passengers every day. Doubling the operating capacity will translate into more trains, improved frequency, smoother operations and reduced overcrowding for commuters.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the capacity expansion targeted for completion by 2030 will involve a comprehensive upgrade of existing infrastructure. This includes construction of additional platforms, pit lines and stabling lines at major terminals, development of new railway terminals in and around urban areas, and enhancement of sectional capacity through advanced signalling systems, yard modernisation and multi-tracking of busy routes. The plan also предусматривает the creation of mega coaching complexes and modern maintenance facilities to support the increased number of trains.
Chief Minister Sai said the expansion of these facilities in Raipur would benefit a wide cross-section of society, including daily commuters, students, patients, traders and industrialists. He assured that the Chhattisgarh government would work in close coordination with the Ministry of Railways and provide all necessary support to ensure timely and effective implementation of the projects on the ground.
He added that improved rail infrastructure would also benefit other industrial and commercial centres of the state by boosting logistics efficiency, attracting investment and generating employment. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh would soon be counted among the best-connected rail states in the country, strengthening the national vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047.”
It is noteworthy that railway projects worth nearly ₹41,000 crore are currently underway in Chhattisgarh, encompassing track expansion, line doubling, railway flyovers and bridges. In the Union Budget for the current year, the Centre has allocated ₹6,925 crore for railway development in the state, which is expected to accelerate the pace of ongoing and proposed projects. Chhattisgarh has also achieved 100 percent electrification of its railway network, marking a major milestone in sustainable rail operations.
Chief Minister Sai expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for strengthening Chhattisgarh’s rail connectivity. He said the state has received an unprecedented bouquet of railway projects in recent years, which will elevate passenger amenities while driving industrial, mineral and economic growth.
Several long-term railway projects are also progressing in the state, including the Raoghat–Jagdalpur, Dharamjaigarh–Lohardaga and Kharsia–Naya Raipur–Parmalaksa corridors. Under the Raoghat railway line, the Dalli Rajhara–Antagarh section has already been commissioned, with passenger services underway, while work is progressing towards Raoghat to facilitate iron ore transport to the Bhilai Steel Plant. Similarly, most of the KK rail line doubling project has been completed, improving connectivity in Bastar and Dantewada districts.
Other major projects such as the Dongargarh–Kawardha–Katghora rail line, the Korba–Ambikapur new line and surveys for strategic corridors like Gadchiroli–Bijapur–Bacheli are expected to further strengthen rail infrastructure in the region.
The Chief Minister said that with strong coordination between the state and central governments, Chhattisgarh is witnessing a historic expansion of its railway network, which will not only improve passenger transport but also accelerate trade, investment and overall economic development in the state.
