Kumar Bahukhandi
Rail Push for a Developed Chhattisgarh: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has welcomed the approval of major multitracking railway projects, including the Bilaspur (Uslapur)-Pendra Road third line and Katni-Pendra Road fourth line, saying the projects will strengthen connectivity, passenger services, freight movement and industrial growth in Chhattisgarh. Sai thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the decision. (Photo: Official X account/Vishnu Deo Sai)
Bilaspur (Uslapur)-Pendra Road third line and Katni-Pendra Road fourth line set to strengthen passenger connectivity, freight movement, industry and access to major tourism centres
Key Highlights
- Union Cabinet approves three multitracking railway projects worth ₹10,783 crore.
- Bilaspur (Uslapur)-Pendra Road third line and Katni-Pendra Road fourth line particularly important for Chhattisgarh.
- Projects targeted for completion by 2029–30.
- Around 656 km to be added to the existing railway network.
- Connectivity expected to improve for around 4,790 villages and 56 lakh people across five States.
- Around 27 million tonnes of additional annual freight capacity expected.
- Better connectivity anticipated for Achanakmar, Ratanpur, Malhar and Khutaghat.
- Estimated savings of around 12 crore litres of oil imports and reduction of nearly 62 crore kg of CO₂ emissions.
Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 welcomed the Union Cabinet’s approval of three major multitracking railway projects involving an estimated investment of ₹10,783 crore, saying the expansion would give fresh momentum to Chhattisgarh’s connectivity, industrial growth and long-term development ambitions.
Of the three projects, the Bilaspur (Uslapur)-Pendra Road third line and Katni-Pendra Road fourth line are particularly significant for Chhattisgarh. The third project is the Kharagpur-Jharsuguda (Bagdehi) fourth line.
Sai said the additional rail capacity would benefit passengers while making freight movement more efficient for industries and businesses.
“The Bilaspur (Uslapur)-Pendra Road third line and the Katni-Pendra Road fourth line are particularly important from Chhattisgarh’s development perspective. These projects will increase the capacity of the State’s railway network, expand passenger facilities and make freight transportation more convenient and efficient for industry and trade,” the Chief Minister said.
He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the decision on behalf of the people of Chhattisgarh.
656 Km of Additional Rail Network
The three projects are planned for completion by 2029–30 and are expected to strengthen rail connectivity across 14 districts in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Together, they will add approximately 656 km to the existing Indian Railways network and are expected to improve connectivity for around 4,790 villages and nearly 56 lakh people.
For Chhattisgarh, strengthening the Bilaspur-Pendra corridor assumes particular importance because additional tracks can ease pressure on existing lines and improve the movement of both passenger and freight trains.
“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, work on building modern and robust railway infrastructure across the country is progressing at an unprecedented pace, and Chhattisgarh is continuously benefiting from this transformation,” Sai said.
He linked the projects with the broader Developed India-Developed Chhattisgarh vision.
“The new multitracking projects will give momentum to the resolve of Viksit Bharat-Viksit Chhattisgarh while expanding new possibilities for economic activity, industrial development and employment in the State,” he said.
Freight Capacity to Get Major Boost
The projects are also strategically important for the transportation of commodities such as coal, cement, iron and steel.
The three multitracking projects together are expected to create around 27 million tonnes of additional freight capacity annually.
For a mineral-rich and industrial State such as Chhattisgarh, greater railway capacity could strengthen the logistics chain serving mines, manufacturing units and other industries while improving the State’s connections with markets elsewhere in India.
More efficient freight movement is also expected to support investment and create opportunities for associated businesses and employment.
Achanakmar, Ratanpur and Malhar to Gain Better Connectivity
The benefits could extend beyond industry and passenger travel.
Improved railway connectivity is expected to enhance access to important tourism, heritage and pilgrimage destinations, including Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, the archaeological site of Malhar, Maa Mahamaya Temple at Ratanpur and Khutaghat Dam.
Better access to these destinations could support tourism-related economic activity and create additional livelihood opportunities for communities in surrounding areas.
The projects have been planned in alignment with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with an emphasis on multimodal connectivity, seamless movement of people and goods and greater logistics efficiency.
The government estimates that the three projects could collectively save around 12 crore litres of oil imports and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 62 crore kilograms, an environmental impact described as equivalent to planting approximately 2.48 crore trees.
Sai said railway infrastructure would remain an important pillar of the State’s development.
“A strong railway network is an important foundation for the overall development of any State. The new railway projects will play a significant role in building a developed Chhattisgarh by accelerating convenient travel, stronger connectivity and industrial progress,” he said.
