In anticipation of Prime Minister’s visit to Chhattisgarh tomorrow, on the 14th of September, we highlight the momentous inauguration of major railway sector projects worth approximately Rs. 6,350 crore. These transformative projects encompass the Chhattisgarh East Rail Project Phase-I, the establishment of a third rail line between Champa and Jamga, a third rail line connecting Pendra Road to Anuppur, and the implementation of the MGR (Merry-Go-Round) system, linking the Talaipalli Coal Mine to the NTPC Lara Super Thermal Power Station (STPS). The impact of these rail initiatives extends beyond the realm of transportation, promising to drive both passenger and freight traffic and thereby catalyze socioeconomic development across the region.
The Chhattisgarh East Rail Project Phase-I, an integral part of the ambitious PM GatiShakti – National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, spans 124.8 km, stretching from Kharsia to Dharamjaygarh. This expansive project also features a spur line to Gare-Pelma and three feeder lines connecting Chhal, Baroud, Durgapur, and other coal mines. With a total investment of approximately Rs. 3,055 crore, this electrified broad gauge rail line incorporates level crossings and a free part double line, complete with essential passenger amenities. It stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to enhancing coal transportation from the Mand-Raigarh coalfields, nestled in the heart of Raigarh, Chhattisgarh.
The third rail line connecting Pendra Road to Anuppur, stretching across 50 km at a cost of about Rs. 516 crore, and the 98 km long third line between Champa and Jamga, constructed at an approximate cost of Rs. 796 crores, both contribute significantly to the region’s connectivity, paving the way for increased tourism and employment prospects.
A groundbreaking 65-km-long electrified MGR (Merry-Go-Round) System now efficiently transports high-grade coal from NTPC’s Talaipalli coal mine to the 1600 MW NTPC Lara Super Thermal Power Station in Chhattisgarh. This technological marvel, constructed at an investment of over Rs. 2070 crore, not only facilitates the generation of low-cost, reliable power from NTPC Lara but also strengthens the nation’s energy security.
In addition to these rail projects, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for 50-bed ‘critical care blocks’ across nine districts in Chhattisgarh. These critical care facilities, an integral part of the Pradhan Mantri – Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), will be established in Durg, Kondagaon, Rajnandgaon, Gariaband, Jashpur, Surajpur, Surguja, Bastar, and Raigarh Districts, with a combined investment exceeding Rs. 210 Crore.
Furthermore, recognizing the pressing health challenges posed by sickle cell disease, particularly among tribal communities, the Prime Minister will distribute one lakh sickle cell counseling cards to screened individuals. This initiative falls under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSAEM), a program inaugurated by the Prime Minister in July 2023 in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, aimed at combatting sickle cell anaemia effectively.
These monumental initiatives underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing connectivity, healthcare, and the overall quality of life for the citizens of Chhattisgarh while fostering economic and social development in the region. Stay tuned as we bring you live coverage of the Prime Minister’s visit and the inauguration of these historic rail projects tomorrow.
