The Dallirajhara-Rowghat rail line in Chhattisgarh is nearing completion, with work on the 17.5-km Tadoki-Rowghat final section almost finished. The project has received authorisation from the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) to operate passenger trains, clearing the way for direct rail connectivity to Rowghat in the Bastar region.

Passenger services are currently available between Dallirajhara and Tadoki. According to railway and state government officials, extending services to Rowghat will make travel to Raipur, Durg and other parts of Chhattisgarh easier, while improving access to education, healthcare, employment and tourism.

The railway line is also expected to support the movement of agricultural produce and local commercial goods, strengthening trade and business activity. A key objective is to facilitate the transportation of iron ore from the Rowghat region to Bhilai Steel Plant, with the project considered important for the Steel Authority of India (SAIL).

Dayanand, divisional railway manager of the Raipur Division, said the CRS inspection had been completed and the required authorisation for passenger operations had been obtained. He said only two or three minor tasks remained and that preparations to start services to Rowghat were nearly complete.

Residents and travellers said the railway would address the region’s difficult road connectivity. Dhan Singh Suryavanshi, a trader from Janjgir-Champa, described travel to Rowghat as difficult because of poor road conditions, while local student Manish Kumar Gawde said the line would make higher education in larger cities more accessible. Labourer Kishor Gawde said train services would reduce the cost of reaching Durg and Raipur for medical treatment and would particularly benefit school and college students.