Bringing closure to years of traffic congestion and commuter frustration at one of Raipur’s busiest railway crossings, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday evening inaugurated the Kachna-Khamhardih Railway Over Bridge (RoB) and formally dedicated it to public use, marking a major addition to the capital’s expanding urban infrastructure network. Constructed at a cost of Rs 48.78 crore, the 787-metre-long and 13-metre-wide overbridge is expected to significantly decongest movement between Kachna, Khamhardih, Shankar Nagar extension and several rapidly developing residential pockets located along the eastern growth corridor of the city.

 

The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Shankar Nagar-Khamhardih-Kachna road widening project developed at a cost of Rs 22.79 crore. Addressing the gathering, Sai said the Kachna railway crossing had remained a major source of inconvenience for citizens for several years, often resulting in long traffic snarls and delays for office-goers, students, traders and emergency movement. He said the operationalisation of the RoB would now ensure smoother, safer and uninterrupted traffic flow across the corridor.

 

The Chief Minister stated that the project was sanctioned under the Central Road Fund scheme of the Union Government and described the inauguration as a significant milestone for residents of Kachna and adjoining areas who had long awaited relief from congestion. Referring to the State Government’s infrastructure push, Sai said roads, bridges and urban connectivity projects were being executed on priority to strengthen public mobility and improve civic convenience. He also linked the inauguration to the ongoing “Sushasan Tihar” outreach initiative under which the Government is directly interacting with citizens and reviewing implementation of welfare and development schemes across rural and urban regions. Deputy Chief Minister and Public

 

Works Minister Arun Sao said nearly 25 major colonies situated in the Kachna belt would directly benefit from the RoB, which he described as a vital connectivity link between Raipur city and its rapidly expanding suburban stretches. He added that the bridge would also improve movement towards Bilaspur and Balodabazar routes. Rajya Sabha MP Laxmi Verma, MLA Purandar Mishra, Mayor Meenal Choubey, senior PWD officials and district administration officers were present during the inauguration ceremony.