Chhattisgarh has undergone a significant transformation in its railway infrastructure over the past decade, reflecting a robust expansion in both express and passenger train services. According to recent disclosures in the Lok Sabha, the state now boasts 58 express trains and 128 passenger trains. This represents an impressive increase from the 56 express and 121 passenger trains recorded three years prior.
During the Lok Sabha session, the Railway Minister elaborated on these advancements, attributing them to a dramatic rise in funding. Investment in Chhattisgarh’s rail infrastructure has surged from approximately Rs311 crore a decade ago to over Rs6000 crore in recent years. This financial boost has facilitated substantial progress, including the initiation of eight new railway lines, aimed at further enhancing the state’s rail capacity. The surge in funding has expedited the pace of infrastructure development, with annual railway construction work escalating from 6 km to 100 km. However, this accelerated progress has been accompanied by over 200 train cancellations, a consequence of the extensive upgrade efforts. The Railway Minister assured that strategies are being implemented to minimise passenger disruptions while advancing essential infrastructure improvements.
BJP MP from Raipur raised concerns about the adverse impact on passengers due to the cancellations and sought clarification on the revenue contributions of the Bilaspur railway zone. The Minister acknowledged past issues with fund allocation but emphasised that current resources are being fairly distributed to enhance connectivity and reduce travel times. Congress MP critiqued the comparisons between the current development phase and the previous UPA era, questioning whether the new Vande Bharat trains were genuinely alleviating passenger inconvenience or merely exacerbating disruptions caused by ongoing construction.
The Railway Minister stressed that the cancellations are an inevitable part of significant infrastructure upgrades. The overarching objective remains to boost the efficiency and capacity of Chhattisgarh’s rail network while balancing the needs of passengers during this period of intense development. Chhattisgarh’s railway sector has demonstrated impressive growth and modernisation. Nevertheless, addressing the resultant challenges and ensuring that passenger satisfaction remains a priority are essential as the state continues to advance its rail infrastructure.
