Raipur, 20 October (H.S.): Chhattisgarh is set to take a significant step towards expanding its railway connectivity on Tuesday, with the launch of new passenger train services between Raipur and Rawghat, and Raipur and Kurud. The main inauguration ceremony is being held at Platform No. 7 of Raipur Railway Station.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai is attending the event in Raipur to flag off the new services, while Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is joining the programme virtually from New Delhi through video conferencing. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m.

Regular passenger train services between Raipur and Rawghat in the Bastar region, and Raipur and Kurud in Dhamtari district, are being launched from Tuesday. The newly constructed Tardoki–Rawghat railway line and the Abhanpur–Kurud line, which has been converted from narrow gauge to broad gauge, are also being dedicated to the public.

This marks the first time since Independence that railway services have reached Rawghat in the Bastar division, representing a significant milestone in the region’s transport infrastructure.

Alongside the flagging off of the trains, the foundation stone for an electric locomotive maintenance facility, or loco shed, is also being laid in Raipur. The facility will have the capacity to maintain 300 high-horsepower electric locomotives.

The introduction of these new rail services is expected to make travel between Bastar and the state’s plains significantly more convenient. Improved connectivity is also expected to create new opportunities in education, healthcare, trade and employment, supporting the region’s broader development.

During the programme, the Tardoki–Rawghat and Abhanpur–Kurud broad-gauge railway sections will be inaugurated. Their commencement is expected to expand rail transport infrastructure in the region and provide passengers with an additional travel option. The foundation stone for the electric locomotive maintenance facility in Raipur will also be laid as part of the event.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar