CG district Jashpur set for first-ever rail link as Centre notifies special rly project

Raipur: Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh is set to get rail connectivity for the first time after the ministry of railways notified the Dharamjaigarh–Pathalgaon–Lohardaga New Rail Line as a special railway project, a move that formally brings the project into effect.

As per the notification published in the Gazette of India, the project has been declared under provisions of the Railways Act, 1989, citing public interest and national infrastructure development.The proposed corridor is about 291.8km long, starting from Dharamjaigarh in Raigarh district, passing through Pathalgaon in Jashpur, and extending to Lohardaga in Jharkhand. Once completed, it will link Jashpur directly with the national railway network.The development is being attributed to the Centre’s infrastructure push under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the sustained follow-up by Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai, with railway connectivity remaining a long-pending demand of local residents for decades.Officials and local stakeholders say the line is expected to reduce the district’s dependence on road transport and improve travel options for commuters, students, farmers, traders, and job seekers.

The rail link is also expected to strengthen movement of agricultural and horticultural produce—particularly organic products, aromatic rice, maize, pulses, vegetables, and other crops—by lowering logistics costs and improving access to larger markets.

Tourism-related activity is also expected to rise, with Jashpur known for dense forests, waterfalls, and religious and nature destinations.Improved access could increase visitor traffic and support jobs in hospitality, transport services, handicrafts, and local trade.

The proposed connectivity is expected to improve access to higher education and specialised healthcare by making travel to institutions and major hospitals in larger cities faster and more affordable. The construction and eventual operations of the corridor are also expected to generate direct and indirect employment, while improved infrastructure may encourage new investment and commercial activity.Following the notification, residents across Jashpur and neighbouring areas reported heightened optimism, describing the rail line as a major step toward long-term economic and social development for the region.“This ambitious project will integrate resource-rich and potential-filled Jashpur with the mainstream of development, opening new avenues in education, healthcare, tourism, trade and employment. It will serve as a strong foundation for the progress, prosperity and brighter future of the region’s forested and tribal areas,” said CM Vishnu Deo Sai.