Kumar Bahukhandi
Despite construction work has been a big challenge in Bastar region of Dallirajhara-Rowghat New Rail Line project owing to affected by left wing extremism, yet work is on the verge of completion by December 2025 -Photo Credit -CG/PR
IN Short
*Dallirajhara-Raoghat rail project will be completed by December
*97 percent of the work of the rail project is complete
*Majority of the work of 77.5 km long Taroki-Raoghat section is complete
Raipur: The work of Dallirajhara-Raoghat rail project, which gives strong railway connectivity to the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, is progressing rapidly.
The length of the Taroki to Raoghat section of this 95 km long project is 77.5 km, in which the work of utility shifting has been completed 100 percent. The work of laying tracks along with big and small bridges is now in the final stage, due to which there has been solid progress towards the completion of this ambitious project by December 2025.
With the completion of this rail project, the Bastar region will be directly connected to the state capital by rail for the first time.
This will increase the facilities for the passengers coming to and going from Bastar and will give new impetus to the mineral transportation. This connectivity will bring a big change in the social and economic landscape of Bastar and will help in raising the standard of living of the local people.
This railway line will provide direct connectivity between Raoghat iron ore mines and SAIL/Bhilai Steel Plant.
At present, the availability of iron ore from the mines of Dallirajhara is decreasing, in such a situation, this project will not only meet the industrial needs but will also prove to be the backbone of the economic development of the region.
According to Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, 17.5 km of land acquisition work has been completed. Most of the 21.94 lakh cubic meters of earthwork has been completed. Two out of three major bridges have been constructed , while the construction of 55 out of 61 minor bridges has been completed. Ballast procurement and building construction work is also likely to be completed by August–September 2025.
It is worth mentioning that total 95 km long railway line includes the construction of 16 major bridges, 19 road over bridges, 45 road under bridges and 176 minor bridges. In the 17.5 km long Taroki-Raoghat section alone, 3 major bridges, 5 road over bridges, 7 road under bridges and 49 minor bridges are being constructed.
In all these works, special attention is being paid to technical accuracy and safety standards, so that this project remains sustainable and safe for a long time.
Construction work has been a big challenge in this area affected by left wing extremism. So far, 4 laborers have died and 2 security personnel have been martyred in 12 attacks carried out by Naxalites to disrupt the project.
Besides there have also been incidents of arson in equipment and machines used in the construction work. Despite this, the project made significant progress after getting SSB security cover. After the completion of the project, there will be an unprecedented increase in mineral transportation, employment, local trade and passenger facilities in the Bastar region.
This railway line will give a new direction to mineral transportation as well as connect the entire region to the mainstream. This will increase investment opportunities in the region and expand the infrastructure.
It is expected that train operations will start on the Taroki-Raoghat section by November 2025. As soon as this project is completed, the Bastar region will embark on a new development journey, where trains running on the rail track will not only deliver minerals and goods, but will also bring the message of employment, opportunity and development.
