Indian Railways has achieved a major milestone by completing the 165.5 km long third rail line between Anuppur and Katni, strengthening the railway network between Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. This long-awaited project, with a budget of ₹1,680 crore, is now fully commissioned and expected to significantly improve passenger and freight movement across the region.

• Enhanced Rail Capacity: With the third line operational, congestion on the Anuppur-Katni route will reduce, making train movement faster and more efficient.

• Boost to Coal & Mineral Transport: Chhattisgarh is a major coal-producing region. The new line will streamline coal logistics to power plants and industries across India.

• Tourism Upsurge: Connectivity to Bandhavgarh National Park, a major wildlife destination, will improve, attracting more tourists.

• Trade & Travel Growth: The rail line will foster business and trade between Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh by improving cargo movement and reducing travel time.

Work on 101 km of the route was completed by September 2024, and the remaining stretch was finished within the next 10 months, marking June 2025 as the full commissioning period. The South East Central Railway executed the project as part of the broader infrastructure push in central India.

The Anuppur-Katni rail route forms part of a critical railway corridor connecting key cities like Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, and Raigarh in Chhattisgarh to North India via Katni. With increasing industrial activity and coal-based energy demands, this third line is expected to serve both economic and strategic interests.

In an official update shared on social media, the Ministry of Railways stated:

“The Anuppur-Katni 3rd line project (165.52 km) is fully commissioned. This will enhance line capacity, accelerate mineral and coal transport, and support tourism and trade between MP and Chhattisgarh.”