India

Rowghat Connected to National Network with New 95‑km Railway Line

By Livemint

Indian Railways has linked Rowghat in Chhattisgarh to the national railway network for the first time since Independence. The Tadoki–Rowghat and Abhanpur–Kurud broad‑gauge sections were inaugurated on Tuesday, and two new passenger services were launched. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the ceremony, while Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw joined via video link. The programme also saw the laying of the foundation stone for an electric locomotive maintenance facility in Raipur. The Tadoki–Rowghat section completes the 95‑km Dalli‑Rajhara–Rowghat line, built at a cost of ₹1,628 crore, and includes the final 17.5‑km stretch between Tadoki and Rowghat. The new links are expected to improve transport infrastructure in southern Chhattisgarh, giving residents better access to education, healthcare, employment and markets. Chief Minister Sai noted that the state has received more than ₹7,000 crore under the current Railway Budget and that the new infrastructure will boost connectivity, industrial growth, trade and socio‑economic development. The two passenger services, Rowghat–Raipur and Raipur–Kurud, were flagged off during the inauguration. They will enhance travel to the state capital and provide convenient options for people along the routes, potentially facilitating daily commuting and regional trade. The railway line will also aid the movement of iron ore from the Rowghat region, supporting the steel industry and local employment. Railway Minister Vaishnaw congratulated the people of Chhattisgarh and highlighted ongoing projects such as gauge conversion on the Kendri–Abhanpur–Rajim–Dhamtari section, the Kharsia–Parmalkasa double‑line project, and a new line linking Pendra Road, Bilaspur and Uslapur. The Abhanpur–Kurud stretch, part of the Abhanpur–Dhamtari project, was also inaugurated. Passenger services already run between Abhanpur and Rajim, and construction of the remaining Kurud–Dhamtari section is expected to finish soon. The opening of this stretch will offer additional travel options toward Raipur and support local businesses and daily commuting.