Says Efforts Initiated in 2018 Have Yielded Results as Project Moves Towards Implementation
Published on: August 01, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
The long-pending Dongargarh–Katghora new railway line project, a key demand of the Rajnandgaon Parliamentary constituency, has received a significant administrative push following a high-level meeting held at Rail Bhavan, New Delhi.
The meeting, held on Thursday, was attended by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Rajnandgaon MP Santosh Pandey, and Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, during which the proposed railway line was discussed in detail. According to the statement, the project received approval to move forward.
Monu Bahadur Singh Credits 2018 Initiative
Reacting to the development, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) State Minister Monu Bahadur Singh expressed gratitude to all leaders associated with the project.
He said the initiative began in 2018 under the then MP Abhishek Singh, and acknowledged the support extended at that time by then Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh and then Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, stating that their efforts led to the project’s approval.
Monu Bahadur Singh also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the government’s commitment to the principle of Antyodaya has translated into development-oriented initiatives.
He further acknowledged the continued efforts of current MP Santosh Pandey and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, stating that the project, pending since 2018, is now moving from paperwork towards execution.
Remarks on Delay
Monu Bahadur Singh stated that the project could have progressed earlier but alleged that its implementation was delayed following the change of government in 2018, when the Congress came to power in the state.
He said the BJP continued to pursue the project despite the delays and that the approval had finally been secured after overcoming various obstacles.
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Project Expected to Improve Regional Connectivity
Expressing gratitude to all senior public representatives and leaders associated with the project over the years, Monu Bahadur Singh said the proposed railway line would improve rail connectivity for Khairagarh, Chhuikhadan, Kawardha, and Pandariya in the Rajnandgaon parliamentary constituency.
He also said the project is expected to help reduce traffic pressure on the Mumbai–Howrah main railway corridor.
Project Cost Revised
According to Monu Bahadur Singh, the Dongargarh–Katghora railway line project was approved in 2018 with an estimated cost of ₹5,000 crore.
He said the prolonged delay in execution has increased the estimated project cost to ₹6,947 crore.
He added that, once completed, the railway line is expected to improve regional connectivity while supporting industrial, agricultural, and commercial activities across the region.
