STN: The Chhattisgarh government has given its approval to a metro rail project connecting Raipur and Durg. This project is part of a larger plan to form a State Capital Region (SCR), which will include Raipur, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, and the Durg–Bhilai corridor. The idea is similar to the National Capital Region (NCR) model used around Delhi.
What Is the Raipur Metro Corridor?
The Raipur Metro Corridor aims to improve how people move across the region. It is designed to ease traffic on roads, offer better public transport, and help with shared infrastructure. The corridor will play a key role in building stronger connections between growing urban centres.
Planners expect the population of this region to cross 50 lakh by 2031. To meet future needs, the government has planned a metro system that is safe, accessible, and reliable.
Initial Funding and Feasibility Survey
To start the project, the government has set aside ₹5 crore in the 2024–25 state budget. This amount will be used to carry out a feasibility study. The study will check if the project is practical from technical, financial, and operational points of view.
There is also a possibility that a light metro system will be introduced in Raipur. In August 2024, the Raipur Municipal Corporation signed an MoU with the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation. This agreement will explore how a light metro system can be brought to Raipur.
Role of CRDA in the Raipur Metro Corridor
The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) will take charge of planning and executing the Raipur–Durg Metro Rail Project. The CRDA will act as the main agency for managing growth and development across the State Capital Region.
The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai, will head the CRDA. Other members will include cabinet ministers, senior government officials, MLAs, and urban local body representatives. The authority will manage land use, urban planning, environment, and infrastructure development.
Funding and Future Plans
The CRDA will also handle funding for big infrastructure projects like the Raipur Metro Corridor. It will have the power to collect a special infrastructure cess to support these projects. The CRDA will also prepare yearly budgets and submit progress reports to the state government.
This metro corridor is expected to improve public transport and support long-term urban development. The project reflects Chhattisgarh’s broader goal of creating better connections and smarter cities.
FAQs on Raipur Metro Corridor
A: The Raipur Metro Corridor is a planned metro rail system connecting Raipur, Nava Raipur, Durg, and Bhilai. It aims to improve public transportation and reduce traffic congestion in Chhattisgarh’s urban areas.
A: The Chhattisgarh government has allocated ₹5 crore in the 2024–25 state budget for a feasibility study. The actual construction timeline will be decided after the survey is completed and approvals are in place.
A: The corridor will link major urban centres such as Raipur, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, Durg, and Bhilai. These areas will form part of the larger State Capital Region (SCR).
A: Yes, there are plans to explore a light metro system in Raipur. An MoU was signed with the Russian Ministry of Transport in August 2024 to study the possibility of implementing such a system.
A: The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) will be responsible for managing and executing the project. The CRDA will oversee planning, infrastructure, budget, and progress reporting.
A: Funding will come from both state resources and a special infrastructure cess that the CRDA has the authority to impose. Additional funds may be raised through central schemes or public-private partnerships.
