Huge gift to Chhattisgarh: Minister Tokhan Sahu thanks PM Modi for 615 km railway line

IANS April 7, 2025 150 views

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sanctioned a groundbreaking railway project in Chhattisgarh, promising significant economic transformation. The 615 km railway line will connect Khairagarh to Parmalkasa, passing through key cities and creating new economic opportunities. Minister of State Tokhan Sahu expressed gratitude, highlighting the project's potential to reduce logistics costs and boost regional connectivity. The initiative is part of the broader government strategy to enhance infrastructure and development in traditionally underserved regions.

"This is a huge gift to the people of Chhattisgarh" - Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State
New Delhi, April 7: Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu on Monday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after the Centre approved a major railway infrastructure project for Chhattisgarh.

Key Points

1

Major 615 km railway line approved for Chhattisgarh

2

Project expected to cut logistical costs by Rs 2,520 crore

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Will improve transportation and industrial connectivity

4

Supports regional economic development

The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, on Friday, cleared four railway multitracking projects worth Rs 18,658 crore. These include a new 615 km railway line in Chhattisgarh with an investment of Rs 8,741 crore, aimed at boosting connectivity and reducing logistical costs in the region.

Earlier in the day, along with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, MoS Tokhan Sahu announced a major boost to railway connectivity.

He took to X and posted, "With Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a major boost to clean transport infrastructure in Chhattisgarh, today at a joint press conference held at Rail Bhawan."

"This is a huge gift to the people of Chhattisgarh. The new railway line from Khairagarh to Parmalkasa, passing through Bilaspur and Raipur bypass, will directly connect the state to Maharashtra. On behalf of 3 crore citizens, heartfelt thanks to PM Modi and Railway Minister Vaishnaw," MoS Tokhan Sahu told IANS.

The Kharsia–Naya Raipur–Parmalkasa line is expected to cut logistical costs by Rs 2,520 crore compared to road transport. It will also provide access to Baloda Bazar and facilitate the establishment of new industries, including cement plants.

"Several new railway lines are being inaugurated in Chhattisgarh, and various other developmental projects in the connectivity sector have also been approved, with ongoing work," he said.

"With the expansion of railway connectivity, transportation facilities in the region will significantly improve. Currently, only 30 per cent of connectivity exists, but in the coming time, it is expected to increase to 60–70 per cent. It will open doors for employment, industrial growth, and regional development," the MoS said.

He further added that both central and state governments are committed to developing the state.

"This is PM Modi's guarantee -- every guarantee will now be fulfilled," the MoS said.

Referring to internal security in the state, MoS Tokhan Sahu said, "The Maoist threat in Chhattisgarh is nearing its end. Our brave security forces have achieved major successes, and the fight continues. Soon, Chhattisgarh, including Bastar, will be Maoist-free and witness historic development."

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is fantastic news for Chhattisgarh! Better rail connectivity will boost the economy and create jobs. Hope they complete the project on time 🤞
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Priya M.
While the project sounds promising, I hope they also focus on safety measures given the Maoist threat mentioned. Development should go hand in hand with security.
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Sanjay T.
Finally! Our region has been needing better transport links for years. This will make travel so much easier for my family visiting from Maharashtra. 🙏
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Anjali P.
The cost savings mentioned are impressive, but I wonder about the environmental impact assessment. Hope they're planting enough trees to compensate for the construction.
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Vikram S.
Great initiative! But I hope they maintain the quality of construction. We've seen too many projects where the execution doesn't match the promises.
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Meena R.
As someone from Bilaspur, I'm so excited about this! 🎉 Better connectivity means more opportunities for our youth. Hope this leads to more investments in education too.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Railway Infrastructure Chhattisgarh Development PM Modi Tokhan Sahu Ashwini Vaishnaw Indian Railways
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