Chhattisgarh: Transport Network | Chhattisgarh State PSC (CGPSC) Preparation: All subjects - CGPSC (Chhattisgarh) PDF Download

Introduction

• Chhattisgarh, an emerging tourist hub in east-central India, boasts a strong network of roadways, though many of these roads require upgrades to meet desired standards. The capital, Raipur, is well-connected to major cities in neighboring states through an adequate bus service network. 
• Additionally, private operators offer non-stop services to district towns and remote villages, enhancing the state's development initiatives by ensuring effective connectivity within Chhattisgarh.

Airways

• Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur: This airport provides vital air connectivity to Chhattisgarh. Multiple daily flights link the state to major metropolitan cities across India as well as to nearby tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The state is focused on attracting corporations to expand its industrial base, leveraging the airport's connectivity.
• Raipur Airport: Chhattisgarh has one airport located in Raipur, providing air connectivity to the state.

Popular Means of Transport

• Private Buses, Autorickshaws, and Taxis: These are the primary modes of transportation in Raipur.
• Personal Vehicles: The working class in industrial cities like Raipur, Bhilai, and Durg often commute using their own vehicles, such as cars, mopeds, and motorcycles.
• Primitive Modes: In rural areas, traditional means of transport like hand-pulled rickshaws, tuktuks, tangas, and bullock carts (bailgadis) are common.
• Goods Transport: Tempos and mini-lorries are used to transport goods between towns.
• Private Taxis (Cabs): These typically charge fixed rates based on distance traveled. For tourists and business travelers, various travel agencies offer rental cars and bus services.

Roadways

• Network Overview:

  • As a key industrial state, Chhattisgarh is transforming its road and railway networks to promote faster development, especially in remote areas and tribal villages.
  • The total roadway network in Chhattisgarh spans approximately 35,400 km, with Raipur offering a range of bus services to major cities across the country.
  • Of this network, about 2,200 km are national highways, 3,600 km are state highways, and the remainder consists of district and village roads.

• Bus Services:

  • Private operators run a variety of buses, including ordinary, express, luxury, and AC coaches, to major cities within Chhattisgarh.
  • Bus fares are affordable, with services scheduled at convenient times for the public.

Chhattisgarh Transport Department

• Responsibilities: The roadways in Chhattisgarh fall under the jurisdiction of the Chhattisgarh Transport Department. The department oversees various transportation-related activities, focusing on public convenience and the growing vehicle population in the state.
• Technology Initiatives: Chhattisgarh is one of the first states to implement ‘Vahan’ (a national vehicle registration portal) and ‘Sarathi’ (a national driving license portal).
• Infrastructure Development: Alongside ongoing projects for road repair, maintenance, and upgrades, the government is working to establish high-speed corridors to improve traffic flow and connectivity within the state.

Need to Upgrade Roads

• National Highway (NH-6): NH-6, which passes through central India and connects Nagpur, Bhilai, Durg, Raipur, and Bilaspur, is known for its excellent facilities and can be compared to the best highways in the country.
• State Highways and Village Roads: In contrast, most state highways and village roads are in poor condition, making bus travel in these areas difficult. Ordinary buses, primarily operated by private companies, are frequent in towns across the districts.
• Raipur Bus Services: Raipur's bus services connect to major district cities such as Durg, Bhilai, Bilaspur, Rajnandgaon, Ambikapur, Raigarh, Jagdalpur, Janjgir, Kanker, Jashpur, Dhamtari, and Kawardha.

Railways

• Importance: Indian Railways is crucial for both passenger transportation and moving cargo from mining sites to other parts of the state, contributing to the overall development of the country.
• Railway Network: The railway network in Chhattisgarh is managed by the South East Central Railway zone, with Bilaspur serving as its zonal headquarters.
• Major Junctions: Raipur, Durg, and Bilaspur are significant railway junctions, serving as starting points for long-distance trains to various cities across the country.
• Revenue Contribution: Chhattisgarh accounts for about one-sixth of India's railway revenue, with the highest freight loading in the country occurring at major railway heads like Durg, Champa, Rajnandgaon, Bilaspur, and Mahasamund.
• Upcoming Projects: Several new railway lines have been proposed, and numerous projects are under development, including:
  • Raigarh-Mand Colliery to Bhupdeopur
  • Dalli-Rajhara-Jagdalpur
  • Pendra Road-Gevra Road
  • Barwadih-Chirmiri routes
• Metro Line: A proposed metro line connecting Durg, Bhilai, Raipur, and Naya Raipur aims to provide safe and speedy inter-city travel within Chhattisgarh.