TFP Bureau, Raipur, April 4, 2025: In a significant move towards accelerating Chhattisgarh’s development, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved four major railway projects with a total investment of Rs 18,658 crore. These projects will expand India’s railway network by 1,247 kilometers, connecting 15 districts across Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
Among the approved projects, the ‘Kharsia-Naya Raipur-Parmalkasa 5th and 6th Line’ stands out as a game-changer for Chhattisgarh. The Rs 8,741 crore initiative will revolutionize the industrial landscape by providing enhanced connectivity to key areas such as Baloda Bazar, which are vital for cement plants, steel units, and other industrial sectors. The new rail route will facilitate the transportation of essential materials like agricultural products, coal, iron ore, cement, and limestone, lowering freight costs, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring a smoother supply chain for industries.
Chief Minister Hails the Project as a Step Toward Self-Reliance
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai expressed immense satisfaction over the approval of the rail project, calling it a “historic milestone” for the state. “This railway project, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, is a major leap forward in our pursuit of a self-reliant India. The Kharsia-Naya Raipur-Parmalkasa line will not only enhance industrial activities in coal, cement, and iron ore sectors but will also open up new opportunities for employment and self-employment in the region. This project represents the ‘fast track’ of Chhattisgarh’s development,” said CM Sai.
He also extended gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for recognizing the state’s potential and focusing on rail infrastructure to bring Chhattisgarh to the forefront of industrial progress.
Key Features of the Project
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Total Length: 278 km long railway line with 615 km of track
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Stations: 21 stations along the route
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Infrastructure: 48 major bridges, 349 minor bridges, 14 Road Over Bridges (ROBs), 184 Road Under Bridges (RUBs), 5 rail flyovers
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Traffic Capacity: 21 to 38 million tonnes of cargo, 8 mail/express/semi high-speed trains
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Environmental Impact:
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Saving of 22 crore litres of diesel annually
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Reduction of 113 crore kg of CO2 emissions (equivalent to planting 4.5 crore trees)
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Cost Savings: Rs 2,520 crore per annum compared to road transport
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Direct Benefits: Districts such as Raigarh, Janjgir-Champa, Sakti, Bilaspur, Baloda Bazar, Raipur, Durg, and Rajnandgaon will see direct economic benefits.
A New Era for Chhattisgarh’s Industrial and Environmental Growth
The Kharsia-Naya Raipur-Parmalkasa rail project will not only boost industrial and business activities in the region but also enhance Chhattisgarh’s transport infrastructure while promoting environmental sustainability. The significant cost reductions in logistics and fuel consumption are expected to benefit both the state’s economy and the environment.
This rail project is set to usher in a new era of progress for Chhattisgarh, driving industrial growth, improving transportation efficiency, and contributing to the state’s long-term socio-economic development.
