Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and initiated several railway projects totaling around ₹6.35 billion in Raigarh district on Thursday.
During the event, he also distributed 100,000 sickle cell counseling cards to individuals screened for ‘Sickle Cell Disease.’
The railway projects, aimed at enhancing transportation and connectivity, have been dedicated to the nation.
They encompass the Chhattisgarh Eastern Railway Project Phase-I, a third railway line connecting Champa to Jamga, another third railway line between Pendra Road and Anuppur, and the MGR (Merry-Go-Round) system linking Talaipalli Coal Mine to NTPC Lara Super Thermal Power Station.
Projects to Accelerate Development
Officials predict that these railway projects will stimulate socio-economic growth by facilitating the movement of both passengers and freight within the region.
The Chhattisgarh East Rail Project Phase-I, costing approximately ₹30.55 billion, includes a 124.8 km railway line from Kharsia to Dharamjaigarh, which connects to Gare-Pelma
and three feeder lines servicing coal mines in Chhal, Baraud, Durgapur, and others.
Enhanced Rail Connectivity
This electrified ‘broad gauge’ railway line boasts level crossings and a ‘free part double line’ system with passenger amenities.
It will establish rail connectivity for transporting coal from Mand-Raigarh coal fields in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh.
The third rail line between Pendra Road and Anuppur, spanning 50 km and costing around ₹5.16 billion, is another significant addition.
Boosting Tourism and Employment
A 98 km long third railway line between Champa and Jamga, with an estimated cost of ₹7.96 billion, is set to improve regional connectivity, foster tourism, and create employment opportunities.
Energy and Power
A 65 km long electrified MGR (Merry-Go-Round) system, costing over ₹20.70 billion, will efficiently transport high-grade coal from NTPC’s Talaipalli coal mine to the 1600 MW NTPC Lara Super Thermal Power Station in Chhattisgarh, enhancing energy security and enabling cost-effective power generation at NTPC Lara.
Foundation Stone Laying
In addition to inaugurating these projects, Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone for a 50-bed ‘Critical Care Block’ in nine districts of Chhattisgarh, under the Prime Minister-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission.
This initiative, with a total cost of ₹2.10 billion, aims to bolster healthcare infrastructure.
Sickle Cell Disease Initiative
The distribution of sickle cell counseling cards is part of the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission (NSAEM), launched by Prime Minister Modi in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, in July 2023.
These efforts are vital in combating the disease’s prevalence. Later, the Prime Minister will address the Vijay Shankhnad Rally from a separate platform at the same venue.
