Chhattisgarh gets ₹6,925 crore for Railway Development

BILASPUR,INDIA: Chhattisgarh has received a record-breaking budget allocation of ₹6,925 crore for railway infrastructure and passenger amenities in the Union Budget 2025-26.

It marks a significant increase from the ₹311 crore annual average between 2009 and 2014. The allocation reflects the central government’s commitment to the state’s development, with Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu playing a key role in securing these funds.

The railway network in Chhattisgarh has seen significant expansion over the past decade. Since 2014, the state has added 1,125 kilometres of new tracks, surpassing the total railway network of the United Arab Emirates. Currently, 26 new track projects covering a total distance of 2,768 kilometres have been sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹38,378 crore.

One of the major projects included in this budget is the Sardega–Bhalumuda New Double Line, which has been allotted ₹1,360 crore. Additionally, the state has achieved 100 percent railway electrification, covering 350 kilometres since 2014.

As part of the Amrit Station Scheme, 32 railway stations in the state are undergoing redevelopment with a total budget of ₹1,672 crore. Major stations such as Raipur, Durg, and Bilaspur are set to receive extensive upgrades, including improved passenger facilities and infrastructure development. Work is currently in progress, with the foundation being laid for the Multi-Modal Transport Hub (MMTH) building in Raipur, while old structures are being dismantled in Durg.

Efforts to enhance passenger amenities continue with the installation of lifts, escalators, and Wi-Fi at railway stations across the state. Two Vande Bharat trains are also operational, serving five districts with six key stoppages. Safety measures have also been prioritized, with 148 rail flyovers and underpasses constructed since 2014 to ease congestion and improve connectivity. The Kavach safety system has been implemented across 1,105 route kilometers, with work on an additional 365 kilometres currently underway.

With the increased budget allocation and infrastructure projects, Chhattisgarh’s railway network is set to witness unprecedented growth. The investments are expected to improve connectivity, enhance passenger comfort, and contribute to the state’s overall economic development, said MoS Tokhan Sahu.