Kharsia–Parmalkasa New Rail Line to Boost Connectivity in Chhattisgarh

A Strategic Infrastructure Push for Railway Expansion in the State

To strengthen transport infrastructure in Chhattisgarh, the central government has greenlit the construction of a major new railway corridor. The Kharsia–Parmalkasa new rail line project, covering 615 km with multi-tracking, aims to transform the state’s connectivity, reduce freight costs, and accelerate regional growth.

Approved in April, the project will feature four multi-tracking corridors, 21 stations, and enhanced rail infrastructure across 278 kilometers of the state. The line will bypass Bilaspur and Raipur and directly link Chhattisgarh with Maharashtra, thereby improving travel efficiency and boosting logistics.

Key Highlights of the Kharsia–Parmalkasa Rail Project

• Project Scope: 615 km of multi-tracking rail network
• Coverage: 278 km in Chhattisgarh
• Total Investment: ₹18,658 crore
• Timeline: Targeted for completion by FY2030–31
• Stations Planned: 21 including Raigarh, Bilaspur, Raipur, Bhilai, Rajnandgaon
• Connectivity: Direct link to Maharashtra, bypassing major city congestion
• Passenger Facilities: Amrit stations with high-tech amenities on select stops
• Economic Impact: Employment boost, small business growth, land value appreciation

Improved Access and Industrial Boost

The new railway corridor will pass through key urban and semi-urban centers such as Raigarh, Jangir-Champa, Shakti, Bilaspur, Baloda Bazar, Raipur, Durg, Rajnandgaon, and more. These regions will see a surge in local mobility and economic activity as passengers gain easier access and businesses expand.

Additionally, the Baloda Bazar region, which will be directly connected via the 5th and 6th lines of the corridor, is poised to attract new industries and cement plants due to better transport logistics.

Employment and Local Business Benefits

The 21 planned stations are expected to foster local commerce and employment. Small businesses in these station areas will thrive with higher footfalls and increased transportation demand.

Furthermore, farmers along the rail route will benefit significantly from the project due to rising land values and financial gains through land acquisition. This uplift is expected to lead to economic prosperity across impacted rural areas.

Enhanced Rail Capacity and Reduced Costs

The Kharsia–Parmalkasa rail line is projected to handle:

• 21–38 million tonnes of cargo annually
• 8 high-speed, mail, and express trains

Additionally, the rail line will include:

• 48 large bridges
• 349 smaller bridges
• 14 road overbridges (ROBs)
• 184 road underbridges (RUBs)
• 5 flyovers

With these additions, the project is anticipated to reduce transport costs by ₹2,520 crore annually when compared to road transport. It will also save an estimated ₹22 crore in diesel expenditure each year.

Statements from Officials

A senior railway official commented, “We are entering a new era of development in the railway sector. Projects like Kharsia–Parmalkasa reflect our commitment to building efficient, sustainable, and growth-focused infrastructure across the state. The benefits will be seen in reduced travel time, lower logistics costs, and increased employment.”

Outlook for Statewide Railway Development

Chhattisgarh currently has just 30% railway connectivity. With this project and others in the pipeline, connectivity is expected to reach 60–70% in the coming years. This will revolutionize transportation access, spur industrial development, and unlock new opportunities for rural and urban communities alike.

The Kharsia–Parmalkasa new rail line is not just a transport project—it’s a strategic step toward inclusive growth, smarter logistics, and regional transformation.

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