• Rail Minister and MP Chief Minister inaugurated Sathna–Devendranagar and Rewa–Churhat rail sections
  • New passenger rail service between Devendranagar–Churhat launched with green flag; will be lifeline for local students, patients and daily commuters
  • Rich in mineral resources, Vindhyachal region will connect to other major industrial and transport hubs, boosting rural economy

A historic milestone was achieved today in MP’s Vindhyachal region for expanding rail connectivity. Hon. Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnav and MP Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the new Sathna–Devendranagar and Rewa–Churhat rail lines. At the event, the new Devendranagar–Churhat passenger rail service was launched with a green flag. Hon. Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnav joined the program via video conferencing.

At the event at Churhat Railway Station, MP Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla, MP from Rewa Shri Janardan Mishra, MP from Seoni Shri Rajesh Mishra and other representatives and dignitaries were present. At the event at Nagod Railway Station, MP State Minister Mrs. Pratima Bagri, MP from Satna Shri Ganesh Singh, MP from Khajuraho Shri Vishnu Datt Sharma and other representatives and dignitaries were present.

In MP, projects worth nearly one lakh crore rupees are underway: Hon. Railway Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw #RailInfra4MadhyaPradesh https://t.co/o7Ermadf6P

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) October 24, 2026

Rail Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnav said that a new lifeline is being established in Vindhyachal and Bundelkhand through better rail connectivity. He added that the project will meet a long‑standing demand and improve access to education, employment and health services for the people of the region.

Shri Vaishnav mentioned the expansion of railway connectivity across the country, citing work done in Srinagar, Mizoram and Pamban Bridge. He also highlighted the recent linking of Raigarh in Chhattisgarh and Tanda Road in MP to the rail network.

Under the Lalitpur–Singrauli rail project, operation on the Devendranagar–Satna and Rewa–Churhat rail sections will strengthen connectivity in Vindhyachal and Bundelkhand. He said that better rail links will accelerate industrial development in MP and expand economic activities.

Rail Minister said that about ₹1 lakh crore worth of railway projects are underway in MP. These include new lines, doubling, third and fourth line construction and gauge conversion projects. Under these projects work is being carried out on Lalitpur–Singrauli, Satna–Rewa, Katni–Singrauli, Jabalpur–Gondia, Bina–Bhopal–Itarsi, Itarsi–Nagpur, Ratlam–Khandwa, Indore–Bhandri, Indore–Dahod and Indore–Manmad sections.

He said that once these projects are completed, new rail services will be launched in the state. In the coming years, more than 100 long‑distance trains and 50–60 short‑distance services such as MEMU and Intercity could start.

Regarding station redevelopment, Shri Vaishnav said Khajuraho Station is being developed in line with MP’s culture and heritage architecture. Additionally, redevelopment work is underway at Ashoknagar, Balaghat, Vyawahari, Nainpur, Narmadapuram, Chhatarpur, Orchha, Shivpuri, Haripalpur, Chhindwara and Sivni among many stations. About 80 railway stations in the state are also to be included in the redevelopment programme.

Emphasising environmental commitments of the rail project, the minister mentioned tree felling in the Anna area. He said that more saplings will be planted than trees felled. He instructed the Managing Director, Division Railway Manager and District Magistrate to visit the site, supervise planting, ensure sapling survival and, if needed, plant new saplings.

MP Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said during the event that new rail connectivity is a fresh start for Bundelkhand and Vindhyachal, bringing rail services to areas that had been deprived of rail contact. He called the occasion a Diwali gift for the people of the region.

Dr. Yadav said the 541 km long Lalitpur–Singrauli railway project will strengthen connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and MP, benefiting Lalitpur, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Seoni and Singrauli areas.

The Chief Minister said that better rail connectivity will give farmers access to larger markets, ease freight movement for industries, create opportunities for youth and students, improve access to health services and boost tourism. He added that connectivity will stimulate economic activity in the mineral‑rich Bundelkhand, especially benefiting the diamond trade in Panna. He praised the railway projects underway in MP, including the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga–Khandwa line.

Rewa–Churhat rail line will benefit Seoni district

The new 65 km rail line from Rewa to Churhat was built at a cost of about ₹1,070 crore. Under this section, the 22.5 km line from Rampur Nainik to Churhat has been completed, bringing the project to completion. Rail connectivity to Churhat now gives Seoni residents a link to the national network.

This rail line is not just a new mode of transport for the area but also a conduit for development opportunities. It will help students reach educational institutions, patients access better medical facilities, and youth and working professionals reach employment and business opportunities. With limestone and other minerals and cement industry prospects, rail contact is expected to boost industrial activity and freight movement.

The Sathna–Devendranagar rail line will boost industrial and rural economy

The new 53 km rail line from Sathna to Devendranagar was built at a cost of about ₹873 crore. Under this section, the final 8 km line between Fulwari and Devendranagar has been completed, completing the project.

Sathna and surrounding areas have significant limestone, cement and other mineral‑based industries. Better rail links will facilitate transport of cement, clinker and other goods, improving logistics, reducing reliance on road freight and opening prospects for future industrial expansion.

Rail connectivity will give farmers and rural traders in Devendranagar, Nagod and Panna better access to larger markets. Agricultural produce, local products and handicrafts will reach wider markets. Warehousing, transport, trade and other ancillary activities will create new employment opportunities.

New passenger rail service will ease travel for students, patients and daily commuters

The new Devendranagar–Churhat–Devendranagar passenger rail service will provide better rail links for travelers in the area via Sathna and Rewa. It offers a convenient option for students, working professionals, traders, patients, farmers and other daily commuters.

New rail connectivity will also increase prospects of transporting local agricultural produce, stone crafts, handicrafts and other products to larger markets. This could stimulate local trade, transport, food services and other small businesses.

Tourism will get a boost, local employment opportunities will rise

Vindhyachal and Bundelkhand are known for natural beauty, historic heritage and cultural significance of many sites. Better rail connectivity will make it easier to reach Panna, Khajuraho, Rewa and surrounding tourist spots.

Major tourist attractions in the region include the White Tiger Safari, Mukundpur, Chachai and Bahuti waterfalls, Rewa Fort and Govindgarh. Improved rail links will make visits to these sites more convenient and could boost regional tourism. Increased tourist flow will benefit hotels, local transport, guides, handicrafts and small businesses.