In a major infrastructure boost for Chhattisgarh's Jashpur district, the Ministry of Railways has notified the Dharamjaigarh-Pathalgaon-Lohardaga New Rail Line Project as a Special Railway Project in the Gazette of India. The move marks a significant step towards bringing rail connectivity to Jashpur for the first time in its history.
The proposed railway corridor will extend up to approximately 291.881 kms, connecting Dharamjaigarh in Raigarh district to Lohardaga in Jharkhand via Pathalgaon in Jashpur district. Authorities said that it would open new avenues for the development of the economy, connectivity and the region.
Jashpur has been heavily dependent on road transport due to the lack of a railway network, which poses challenges to the farmers, students, traders, and residents of the district. Rail link will further facilitate access to the city and enhance faster, safer and more affordable means of transport to major economic centres.
The proposed rail line is declared as a special railway project in accordance with the provisions of the Railways Act, 1989, for public purpose and development of the national infrastructure, and the declaration is effective from the date of its publication in the Gazette of India.
Boost For Farmers And Traders
Rail connectivity will also result in the smooth transport of fruits and vegetables from the district. Jashpur is the leading producer of organic fruits and vegetables in the district. The region is also known for its production of aromatic rice, pulses, maize and other horticulture products.
Direct access to the railway network would allow the farmers and traders in the district to reach out to markets across the country more conveniently, thus improving value realisation and earning greater profits. Trade relations of the district are expected to further grow with the new project.
Development For Tourism And Employment
The rail link is expected to provide greater connectivity to tourists to visit the waterfalls, natural sites, tourist spots and religious places in Jashpur. The boost to tourism will surely encourage new investment and development of tourism infrastructure.
Both direct and indirect jobs will also be generated in the construction and operation phase of the railway network.
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Enhanced Mobility For Students And Patients
Easy movement of students going for higher studies out of the district would become feasible. More importantly, patients would be able to get access to sophisticated health facilities in bigger cities in less time, and quick treatment would be possible.
Residents in the district have welcomed the development, which had been a long-pending demand of the region, and called the project more than just infrastructure, but an important turning point for the socio-economic development of Jashpur district.
The notification by the Central Government brings the dream of Jashpur getting a railway line a step closer to reality.