Ashwini Vaishnaw and MP CM inaugurate two rail sections spanning 118 km, connecting Sidhi district to the railway network for the first time since Independence, through 53-km Satna–Devendranagar and 65-km Rewa–Churhat lines

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday inaugurated the Satna–Devendranagar and Rewa–Churhat rail sections and flagged off the Devendranagar–Churhat MEMU service, improving connectivity in the Vindhya region.

Sidhi gets first rail connection since Independence

In a historic milestone, Sidhi district was connected to the railway network for the first time since Independence, with the inauguration of two rail sections spanning 118 km — the 53-km Satna–Devendranagar and 65-km Rewa–Churhat lines.

Yadav and Vaishnaw virtually inaugurated the two sections and flagged off the passenger service. Yadav also announced that the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga–Khandwa railway line would be inaugurated soon.


Vaishnaw said the new rail link would improve connectivity across Vindhya and Bundelkhand, boost trade and create opportunities for industrial development.

Rs 1 lakh crore worth of railway projects underway in MP

Vaishnaw said railway projects worth approximately Rs 1 lakh crore are underway in Madhya Pradesh, including new railway lines, construction of second, third and fourth tracks, and gauge conversion.

Ongoing projects include Lalitpur–Singrauli, Satna–Rewa, Katni–Singrauli, Jabalpur–Gondia, Bina–Bhopal–Itarsi, Itarsi–Nagpur, Ratlam–Khandwa, Indore–Budni, Indore–Dahod and Indore–Manmad.

Over 100 long-distance trains, 50–60 short-distance services planned

The Railway Minister said the completion of ongoing projects could pave the way for more than 100 long-distance trains and 50–60 short-distance services, including MEMU and intercity trains, in the coming years.

541-km Lalitpur–Singrauli project to boost connectivity

The 541-km Lalitpur–Singrauli Railway Project will strengthen connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, benefiting Lalitpur, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Sidhi and Singrauli.

Yadav said the project would improve access to education, employment and healthcare, provide farmers access to larger markets, facilitate freight movement and promote tourism. He added that improved connectivity could boost economic activity in mineral-rich Bundelkhand, particularly Panna's diamond trade.

Rewa–Churhat rail line built at Rs 1,070 crore

The approximately 65-km Rewa–Churhat railway line has been constructed at a cost of around Rs 1,070 crore, connecting residents of Sidhi district with the national railway network.

The line is also expected to support industrial activity and freight transportation, given the region's limestone and other mineral resources and its potential for cement manufacturing.

Satna–Devendranagar line to improve freight movement

The 53-km Satna–Devendranagar railway line has been built at a cost of approximately Rs 873 crore.

According to a railway release, the improved connectivity will facilitate the transportation of cement, clinker and other goods from Satna and surrounding areas, which have a significant presence of limestone, cement and mineral-based industries. It is also expected to reduce dependence on road freight and improve industrial logistics.

Around 80 railway stations in MP to be redeveloped

Vaishnaw said approximately 80 railway stations in Madhya Pradesh have been included in the redevelopment programme. Khajuraho station is being developed with architecture reflecting the state's culture and heritage.

Redevelopment work is also underway at Ashoknagar, Balaghat, Beohari, Nainpur, Narmadapuram, Chhatarpur, Orchha, Shivpuri, Harpalpur, Chhindwara and Seoni stations.

New rail connectivity a Diwali gift, says CM Mohan Yadav

Yadav described the new rail connectivity as a fresh beginning for Bundelkhand and Vindhya and a Diwali gift for residents of the region. He also welcomed other railway projects in the state, including the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga–Khandwa railway line.

The inauguration programme at Churhat railway station was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, Rewa MP Janardan Mishra and Sidhi MP Rajesh Mishra. The programme at Nagod railway station was attended by minister Pratima Bagri, Satna MP Ganesh Singh and Khajuraho MP Vishnu Datt Sharma.