Bilaspur (Uslapur)–Pendra Road Third Line and Katni–Pendra Road Fourth Line to Strengthen State’s Rail Network
Chief Minister Shri Sai Expresses Gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw
Raipur, September 9, 2026/
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has welcomed the Union Cabinet’s approval of three major multitracking railway projects with a combined estimated cost of Rs. 10,783 crore. He stated that the Bilaspur (Uslapur)–Pendra Road third line and Katni–Pendra Road fourth line will significantly strengthen Chhattisgarh’s rail infrastructure and accelerate the state’s journey towards becoming a developed state.
The projects, approved by the Union Cabinet under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, will enhance rail network capacity, improve passenger services and make freight movement more efficient for industry and trade. Chief Minister Shri Sai expressed gratitude, on behalf of the people of Chhattisgarh, to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw for this significant decision.
The Chief Minister said that the expansion of modern railway infrastructure under Prime Minister Shri Modi’s leadership is opening up new opportunities for economic activity, industrial development and employment in Chhattisgarh.
*Three Projects to Add 656 Kilometres to Rail Network
The approved projects comprise the Kharagpur–Jharsuguda (Bagdehi) fourth line, Katni–Pendra Road fourth line and Bilaspur (Uslapur)–Pendra Road third line. They are targeted for completion by 2029–30.
Together, the projects will strengthen rail connectivity across 14 districts in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and add approximately 656 kilometres to the existing Indian Railways network. Around 4,790 villages and nearly 56 lakh people are expected to benefit from improved rail connectivity.
*Bilaspur–Pendra Rail Corridor to Gain Additional Capacity
The Bilaspur (Uslapur)–Pendra Road third line and Katni–Pendra Road fourth line are particularly important for Chhattisgarh, as they will increase capacity along this key rail corridor.
The additional lines will facilitate the smoother movement of passenger and freight trains, ease pressure on the existing rail network and strengthen connectivity between Chhattisgarh and other parts of the country. The improved corridor will benefit both passengers and the state’s industrial and commercial activities.
*Additional Freight Capacity to Support Industry and Trade
The three projects are expected to create approximately 27 million tonnes of additional freight-handling capacity annually, facilitating the transportation of major commodities such as coal, cement, iron and steel.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that an efficient rail and logistics network is vital for a state like Chhattisgarh, which is rich in mineral and industrial resources. Improved freight movement will provide better logistics support to industries while creating favourable conditions for investment, trade and employment.
*Connectivity to Tourism and Pilgrimage Destinations to Improve
The projects will also improve access to important tourism, religious and cultural destinations, including Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, the archaeological site of Malhar, Maa Mahamaya Temple in Ratanpur and Khutaghat Dam.
Better rail connectivity is expected to promote tourism while strengthening local economies and creating additional livelihood opportunities in the surrounding areas.
*Projects Aligned with PM Gati Shakti Vision
The multitracking projects have been planned in alignment with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan to strengthen multimodal connectivity, facilitate the seamless movement of people, goods and services, and improve logistics efficiency.
As railways are an energy-efficient and environment-friendly mode of transport, the projects are expected to save approximately 12 crore litres of oil and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 62 crore kilograms. This environmental benefit is equivalent to planting approximately 2.48 crore trees.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that a strong railway network is a vital foundation for the comprehensive development of any state. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, railway infrastructure in Chhattisgarh is expanding rapidly. The new railway projects will play an important role in building a developed Chhattisgarh by facilitating seamless travel, strengthening connectivity and accelerating industrial progress.
