The work of Dallirajhra -Ravaghat railway project, which gives strong connectivity to Bastar region of Chhattisgarh with railway, is moving fast. The work of laying the track along with large and small bridges is now in the final stages, making concrete progress towards the completion of this ambitious project by December 2025.
The work of Dallirajhra -Ravaghat railway project, which gives strong connectivity to Bastar region of Chhattisgarh with railway, is moving fast. The 95 km long project is 77.5 km in length from Taroki to Rawaghat section, in which the work of utility shifting has been completed 100 %. The work of laying the track along with large and small bridges is now in the final stages, making concrete progress towards the completion of this ambitious project by December 2025.
With the completion of this railway project, the Bastar region will be directly connected to the state capital for the first time by the railway. This will increase facilities for passengers going to Bastar and will get new speed towards mineral transport. This connectivity will bring a major change in the social and economic scenario of Bastar and will help in raising the standard of living of the local people.
This railway line will provide direct connectivity between Rawaghat iron ore mines and SAIL/Bhilai Steel Plant. At present, the availability of iron ore from Dallirajhra mines is decreasing, in such a situation, the project will not only meet the industrial needs but will prove to be the backbone of the economic development of the region. According to Rail Development Corporation Limited, 17.5 km of land acquisition work has been completed. Most of the 21.94 lakh cubic meters of soil work have been completed. Two out of three major bridges have been prepared, while the construction of 55 out of 61 small bridges has been completed. Balest Procurement and building construction work is also expected to be completed by August – September 2025.
It is noteworthy that this 95 km long railroad includes 16 major bridges, 19 road over bridges, 45 road under bridges and 176 small bridges. Only 3 major bridges, 5 road over bridge, 7 road under bridges and 49 small bridges are being built in the only 17.5 km long Taroki -Ravaghat section. Technical accuracy and security standards are being taken special care in all these tasks, so that the project remains durable and safe for a long time.
Construction work has been a major challenge in the region affected by leftist extremism. So far, 4 laborers have died and 2 security personnel have died in 12 attacks carried out by Naxalites to disrupt the project. Apart from this, there have also been incidents of arson in the equipment and machines used in the construction work. Despite this, there was remarkable progress in the project after receiving SSB security shield. After the completion of the project, there will be unprecedented increase in mineral transport, employment, local trade and passenger facilities in Bastar region. This railway line will work to give new direction to mineral transport as well as connect the entire area to the mainstream. This will increase investment opportunities in the area and expand the infrastructure.
There is a possibility of train operations on Taroki -Ravghat section by November 2025. As soon as this project is completed, Bastar zone will move on a new development journey, where the vehicles running on the rail tracks will not only deliver minerals and goods, but will also bring the message of employment, opportunity and development.
