Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today inaugurated Satna-Devendranagar and Rewa-Churhat rail sections under the Lalitpur-Singrauli Railway Project and flagged off the new Devendranagar-Churhat passenger train service through video conferencing.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav was present on the occasion. The approximately 65-km-long new railway line from Rewa to Churhat has been constructed at a cost of over one thousand crore rupees while the 53-km-long new railway line from Satna to Devendranagar has been constructed at a cost of over eight hundred crore rupees.

With the commencement of the new passenger train service, passengers in the concerned areas will have improved rail connectivity through Satna and Rewa. The new rail connectivity will also enhance the prospects of transporting local agricultural produce, stone crafts, handicrafts and other products to larger markets.

Speaking at the event, Mr Vaishnaw said that improved rail connectivity is establishing a new lifeline for the Vindhya and Bundelkhand regions. The Minister said that the project would fulfill a long-standing demand and improve access to education, employment and healthcare services for the people of the region.

He also referred to the expansion of railway connectivity across the country and highlighted the work undertaken in Srinagar, Mizoram and at the Pamban Bridge. He also highlighted the recent achievement of connecting Raoghat in Chhattisgarh and Tanda Road in Madhya Pradesh to the railway network.

Mr Vaishnaw said that improved rail connectivity would accelerate industrial development in Madhya Pradesh and expand economic activities. He also informed that railway projects worth approximately one lakh crore rupees are underway in Madhya Pradesh.

Dr. Yadav said that the 541-km-long Lalitpur-Singrauli Railway Project would strengthen connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, benefiting the regions of Lalitpur, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Sidhi and Singrauli. The Chief Minister said that improved rail connectivity would provide farmers access to larger markets, facilitate freight transportation for industries, create opportunities for young people and students, improve access to healthcare services and promote tourism.