Daily Raipur–Rajim MEMU service launched; fare set at Rs 15, travel time cut by 30-45 minutes

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday flagged off the Raipur–Rajim–Raipur MEMU passenger train at Rajim, which will operate daily. The service aims to enhance connectivity between Raipur and Rajim, offering commuters a more affordable and convenient travel option.

The new train will cover the distance in about one and a half hours, with a fare of Rs 15. It is expected to benefit over 2.5 lakh people, including approximately 2,000 daily commuters between the two cities, according to railway officials. Describing the service as a significant step towards affordable mobility, regional development, and stronger connectivity, Chief Minister Sai inaugurated the train at Rajim railway station, where he also announced the extension of the Raipur–Abhanpur MEMU up to Rajim. Highlighting its public benefits, the CM said the new train would make travel easier for students, employees, and traders by providing them with a low-cost and reliable option to reach the state capital. He added that Rajim, revered as the “Prayag of Chhattisgarh,” is now directly connected to the broad-gauge network, making it more accessible for residents, pilgrims, and tourists alike. The Chief Minister underlined that the rapid expansion of railway infrastructure is crucial for boosting the state’s economy.

He noted that projects worth nearly Rs 45,000 crore are currently underway in Chhattisgarh, while the 2025–26 state budget has earmarked Rs 7,000 crore for railway expansion and modernisation. “These investments will shape a new future for Chhattisgarh, unlocking growth in trade, agriculture, and tourism,” he said, recalling the days of the narrow-gauge train between Dhamtari and Raipur and thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring Rajim’s broad-gauge connectivity.

South East Central Railway General Manager Tarun Prakash was also present at the event. According to SECR, the train will run daily in both directions from Friday, with eight coaches, including six general class compartments, ensuring accessibility for large numbers of passengers. Officials added that the service will cut travel time by 30-45 minutes and help spur economic activity, trade, and tourism in Rajim and nearby tribal and rural areas. History and salient features The narrow-gauge railway line connecting Raipur and Dhamtari was opened in 1900, followed in 1909 by the branch line from Abhanpur to Rajim. A tramway used for transporting timber from the forests between Kurud, Sihawa, and Nagri operated from 1924 to 1925 before being closed in 1938. In 2010, the narrow-gauge line passing through Raipur city was terminated at Telibandha to ease road traffic.

The last narrow-gauge train between Dhamtari and Rajim completed its run on April 30, 2017.

Subsequently, in 2012, a gauge conversion project from Kendri to Dhamtari and Rajim was sanctioned. The Mandir Hasaud–Kendri–Dhamtari–Rajim section covers a length of 67.2 km, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,510.25 crore, including Rs 288.68 crore for Mandir Hasaud–Kendri and Rs 1,221.57 crore for Kendri–Dhamtari–Rajim. The project involves major construction works comprising five major bridges, 120 minor bridges, six road overbridges, and 45 road underbridges.