TFP Bureau, Raipur, April 7, 2025: The Union Cabinet’s approval of the Kharsia–Naya Raipur–Parmalkasa rail project marks a watershed moment for Chhattisgarh’s transport and economic landscape. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressing the media at Rail Bhavan, hailed the Rs 8,741 crore project as a “new artery” in the state’s rail network, stretching from Odisha’s border to Maharashtra’s edge and unlocking unprecedented growth and employment opportunities across the region.
“This is one of India’s largest railway projects. It will drastically improve rail connectivity in Chhattisgarh and boost both passenger and freight transport,” said Vaishnaw. The 5th and 6th lines between Kharsia and Parmalkasa will span 615 km across a 278 km corridor, with the construction of 21 stations, 48 major bridges, 349 minor bridges, 14 flyovers, and 184 underpasses, including 5 rail flyovers to ease local commuting.
Boost to Employment, Industry, and Heritage Sites
The Railway Minister stated the project will generate 2 crore man-days of employment and bring significant economic benefits by saving 22 crore liters of diesel annually—translating to Rs 2,500 crore in cost savings. Industrial hubs like Baloda Bazar and Kharsia—key cement-producing regions—will be seamlessly integrated into the network.
The route will also link to the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, associated with the legend of Mata Shabari from the Ramayana, boosting religious tourism. Additionally, regions known for Kosa silk—a key cultural and economic asset of Chhattisgarh—will now have improved market access via the railway.
To reduce congestion, freight trains will bypass cities while passenger trains will continue entering urban centers—a strategic shift aimed at balancing growth and convenience.
Massive Investment and Historic Progress
“Under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, the railway budget for Chhattisgarh has grown 22 times, crossing Rs 6,900 crore,” Vaishnaw added. Since 2014, the state has seen 1,125 km of new track construction, surpassing even the entire railway length of Dubai.
A total investment exceeding Rs 47,000 crore has been earmarked for Chhattisgarh. Thirty-two stations are being redeveloped with modern amenities, many of which will be completed by year-end.
The minister also gave updates on other key projects:
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Dallirajhara–Raoghat line nearing completion
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DPR finalization for Raoghat–Jagdalpur line
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Gevra–Pendra Road line progressing rapidly
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Gauge conversion and line doubling for routes including Rajnandgaon–Nagpur, Jharsuguda–Bilaspur, and Anuppur–Ambikapur
A Game-Changer for Chhattisgarh’s Development: CM Vishnu Dev Sai
Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai termed the Kharsia-Naya Raipur-Parmalkasa project a “historic step” for Chhattisgarh. “This will connect major districts like Janjgir-Champa, Sakti, Baloda Bazar, Raipur, Durg, and Rajnandgaon. It’s not just infrastructure, it’s a catalyst for employment, industry, and prosperity,” he said.
Highlighting the state’s industrial potential, the CM emphasized that the improved rail connectivity would transform Baloda Bazar and Janjgir into thriving industrial hubs—especially for cement, thanks to abundant limestone reserves.
He also stressed that the direct link to Naya Raipur will significantly improve the capital’s connectivity to metro cities like Mumbai and Kolkata. “This will reduce logistics costs, speed up the movement of agricultural goods, minerals, and construction material, and give fresh momentum to the development of Naya Raipur,” he added.
Gratitude to Central Government
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Tokhan Sahu, joined CM Sai in expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and Railway Minister Vaishnaw for this transformational initiative. “This is a proud moment for every citizen of Chhattisgarh. We are grateful for the vision and support of the central government,” he said.
With work set to begin soon, the Kharsia–Parmalkasa rail corridor stands poised to reshape the economic geography of Chhattisgarh and power the state into a new era of connectivity-driven growth
