In a landmark move to modernize urban transport and foster regional development, the Chhattisgarh government has approved the Raipur-Durg Metro Rail Project, a visionary initiative aimed at transforming the State Capital Region (SCR) into a unified and sustainable urban ecosystem.
🌆 Project Overview
- Corridor Coverage: Raipur, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, and Durg-Bhilai
- Metro Type: Metro Neo – a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to conventional metro systems
- Estimated Cost: â‚ą11,000 crore
- Length: Over 60 kilometers
- Population Served: Projected to exceed 50 lakh by 2031
🏗️ Planning and Governance
To steer this ambitious project, the government has established the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA), chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. The CRDA will oversee:
- Land use planning
- Infrastructure development
- Investment facilitation
- Environmental management
The authority is also empowered to levy a special infrastructure cess to fund capital-intensive projects like the metro.
🔍 Feasibility and Innovation
An initial allocation of ₹5 crore in the 2024–25 budget has been made for a comprehensive feasibility survey. The metro will adopt Metro Neo technology, featuring rubber-tyred electric coaches on elevated and at-grade tracks—ideal for medium-capacity routes.
Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the Russian Ministry of Transport to explore light metro systems, showcasing international collaboration and innovation.
🌱 Impact and Vision
The Raipur-Durg Metro is expected to:
- Reduce traffic congestion
- Lower vehicular emissions
- Improve access to education, healthcare, and employment
- Stimulate industrial and economic growth across the SCR
This project is not just about mobility—it’s about shaping the future of Chhattisgarh’s urban landscape with sustainability, inclusivity, and smart planning at its core.