Raipur–Dhamtari branch line
Raipur–Dhamtari Railway line or Raipur–Dhamtari Narrow Gauge line was a 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow-gauge branch line in Chhattisgarh, India. Constructed and operated by Bengal Nagpur Railway, the line opened in 1900, connecting Raipur to Dhamtari over a distance of approximately 56 km via Kurud. In 1909, a further extension created the Rajim Branch—an 18‑km spur from Abhanpur to Rajim—bringing the total network length to around 74 km. Passenger and freight services, initially steam-powered and later dieselised, served numerous small towns and villages in the region. The narrow-gauge service was discontinued in mid‑2017 to facilitate conversion to broad gauge and redevelopment work including an expressway between Raipur Junction and Telibandha.
History
The Raipur–Dhamtari Railway was constructed by the Bengal Nagpur Railway (BNR) and opened to traffic in 1900. It initially connected Raipur to Dhamtari via Kurud over a distance of 35 miles (56 km) on 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow gauge. In 1909, the line was extended with the Rajim Branch Railway—a further 11 miles (18 km) from Abhanpur Junction to Rajim—bringing the total system length to 46 miles by 1918. In 1924–25, an interchange was provided at Kurud with the 2 ft (610 mm) narrow-gauge Raipur Forestry Tramway, operated under the Forestry Department of the Central Provinces. Following Indian independence, operations passed to Indian Railways and were later managed by the South East Central Railway zone.
Operations and Closure
Through much of its existence, the line carried mixed passenger and goods traffic using steam and, later, diesel traction. By mid-May 2017, all narrow-gauge services were withdrawn and the tracks were lifted; the former alignment through Raipur between Raipur Junction and Telibandha was converted into an expressway.
In August 2021, the Government of India approved a fresh survey for gauge conversion and potential extension of the former Dhamtari–Kondagaon narrow-gauge corridor, aiming to re-establish a broad-gauge link from Raipur towards Bastar.
Route
The line originated at Raipur Junction and branched southward, passing through dense urban settlements, agricultural areas, and small towns. Key stations on the main line included Raipur City, Mana, Bhatgaon, Kendri, and Abhanpur before continuing towards Dhamtari. The Raipur–Rajim branch line served the religious town of Rajim. The Raipur narrow-gauge station was located adjacent to the broad-gauge platforms but had minimal passenger amenities, often consisting of an uncovered platform and a small waiting area. At Abhanpur Junction, the line formed an interchange point for services towards Dhamtari and Rajim, with additional sidings for ballast loading and routine operational needs. Despite modest infrastructure and limited capacity, the line played an important role in connecting rural settlements to Raipur city until its closure for gauge conversion in the 2010s.