This railway corridor, with an estimated cost of approximately ₹3,055 crore, spans 124 kilometers from Kharsia to Dharamjaygarh. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the transportation of coal and other raw materials from SECL (South Eastern Coalfields Limited) and other coal mines in the Mand-Raigad Coalfield, thus serving various end-use projects, including power generation initiatives.
With an annual capacity of 62 million tonnes, this railway corridor is expected to significantly benefit the tribal communities in the region, ultimately connecting them with the mainstream of the country. Prime Minister Modi emphasized Chhattisgarh’s role as a powerhouse of the nation’s development and highlighted the need for powerhouses to operate at full capacity for the country’s progress. He also commended SECL’s efforts in environmental conservation and its initiatives to develop eco-tourism and provide irrigation and drinking water facilities through mine water management.
The Chhattisgarh East Rail Corridor Phase-1 project is a joint venture involving Chhattisgarh East Railway Limited (CERL), a special purpose vehicle (SPV) jointly formed by SECL, IRCON, and CSIDCL, with respective stakes of 64%, 26%, and 10%. The project inauguration witnessed the presence of various dignitaries, including Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Renuka Singh Saruta, Raigarh MP Gomati Sai, Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Shri T.S. Singh Deo, and other officials.
The project is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the central government and Chhattisgarh state, focusing on development in areas such as education, health, and more. It aims to drive the progress of the state and contribute to the overall growth of India.
