3.5cr rail project moves forward: Bastar to get on 140-km-long track
Raipur: Union ministry of railways has approved the much-anticipated Rowghat–Jagdalpur rail line project in the state—a 140-kilometre-long track for the Bastar region and the project, with an estimated cost of Rs 3,513.11 crore, will be fully funded by the central govt.In what is being described as a "lifeline" for Bastar, the Rowghat–Jagdalpur railway will connect Narayanpur, Kondagaon, and Kanker—districts historically excluded from rail infrastructure.
The route is expected to open new avenues for tourism, tribal livelihood, industrial logistics, and connectivity to education and healthcare.CM Sai expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of Chhattisgarh, and thanked PM Modi and railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for giving a green signal to a long-pending demand that aims to integrate Bastar's remote tribal districts into the national railway network."This project will not just lay tracks—it will lay the foundation for hope, employment, and security in Bastar," said CM Sai. "It's not merely a transportation initiative, but a civilizational shift for tribal communities waiting for decades."With the region rich in mineral resources, the rail line will significantly enhance transport and export potential. It will also improve access to markets for local farmers and artisans. Bastar's traditional products and forest goods can now find better reach and value through national supply chains, officials said.Increased logistical connectivity is expected to encourage private investment and help develop MSME clusters across the region as well, officials said. Officials have confirmed that land acquisition for the project is nearly complete, clearing the way for construction to begin shortly.The railway line also aligns with the Centre's vision of eradicating Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 2026, as declared by Union home minister Amit Shah. By bringing development to the doorstep of isolated tribal villages, the govt hopes to replace fear and alienation with trust and inclusion.
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