In a major boost to rail infrastructure and freight movement in Chhattisgarh, the Ministry of Railways has approved the construction of a fourth railway line between Baikunth and Urkura at an estimated cost of ₹426.01 crore. The project falls under the South East Central Railway (SECR) zone and covers a length of 26.40 km.
The Baikunth–Urkura section forms part of the Bilaspur–Raipur–Nagpur route, a crucial segment of the Mumbai–Howrah high-density corridor, one of the busiest rail corridors in the country. The route is currently operating near saturated capacity, handling heavy passenger traffic along with large volumes of freight.
According to officials, the addition of a fourth line will significantly ease congestion, improve operational efficiency, and enhance punctuality of passenger trains. The project will also create additional capacity for running more mail, express and MEMU services in the region.
From a freight perspective, the new line is expected to facilitate the movement of an additional 14.25 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The corridor serves several coal mines, thermal power plants, cement units and steel industries, making it strategically important for industrial logistics. Indian Railways is projected to earn approximately ₹61.7 crore in additional annual revenue once the project becomes operational.
The project has been identified under the Energy, Cement and Mineral Corridor, highlighting its importance in supporting economic and industrial growth in central India. Besides strengthening supply chains, the construction phase is also expected to generate local employment opportunities.
Railway officials stated that the project aligns with Indian Railways’ broader objective of capacity augmentation on high-density routes, ensuring smoother train operations and meeting the growing demand for both passenger and freight transportation.
Once completed, the fourth railway line between Baikunth and Urkura is expected to play a key role in decongesting the Bilaspur–Raipur section, improving rail connectivity and supporting sustained economic development in Chhattisgarh and adjoining regions.