Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced significant improvements in the state’s railway infrastructure, highlighting the launch of a direct daily train service between the state capital, Bhopal, and the energy hub of Singrauli. The new rail link, he said, will benefit not only Madhya Pradesh but also passengers from neighbouring states.
Dr. Mohan Yadav flagged off the Bhopal–Dhanbad–Chopan Express from Bhopal Junction on Tuesday evening. The train will run daily, connecting Singrauli three times a week, Dhanbad three times a week, and Chopan once a week, passing through key stations such as Bina, Sagar, and Mudwara.
Expanding Railway Infrastructure: Modern Facilities and Increased Connectivity
The Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasised that Madhya Pradesh has seen unprecedented railway expansion in recent years. Earlier on Tuesday, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the doubling of the Jabalpur–Gondia rail line. The state has also benefited from major projects like the Indore–Manmad rail line and extensive station redevelopment work under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme. Six stations—Katni South, Narmadapuram, Orchha, Seoni, Shajapur, and Shridham—are undergoing redevelopment, while approximately 80 others are being upgraded. Passenger amenities worth nearly ₹2,750 crore are being introduced, bringing facilities to international standards.
Dr. Mohan Yadav credited Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for facilitating these initiatives. He said that the new Bhopal–Singrauli service, operating seven days a week with multiple destinations, will enhance tourism, trade, and industrial development, connecting Madhya Pradesh with Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. The tri-weekly service to Dhanbad will serve 30 stations, and the weekly service to Chopan will cover 15 major stations.
आज भोपाल रेलवे स्टेशन से भोपाल-धनबाद/चोपन एक्सप्रेस को हरी झंडी दिखाकर रवाना किया। यह नई रेल सेवा यात्रियों की सुविधाओं का विस्तार करेगी। कार्यक्रम में माननीय रेल मंत्री श्री @AshwiniVaishnaw जी ने वी.सी. के माध्यम से सहभागिता की।@rshuklabjp@RailMinIndia pic.twitter.com/q2e1TjOAFW
— Dr Mohan Yadav (@DrMohanYadav51) February 24, 2026
Doubling of Jabalpur–Gondia Rail Line to Boost Mahakaushal Region
Dr. Mohan Yadav noted that the doubling of the Jabalpur–Gondia line will accelerate economic growth, tourism, and religious travel, particularly in the Mahakaushal region. He highlighted that areas previously affected by Naxal activity will now benefit from improved connectivity, noting that the government has successfully eliminated extremist influence through decisive action.
Also read ; CM Mohan Yadav Highlights Agricultural Growth, Value Addition, and Irrigation Progress
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Highlights Historical Significance
Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that direct rail connectivity between Bhopal and the Sidhi–Singrauli region has been a long-standing demand since Independence. He acknowledged Dr. Yadav’s consistent advocacy for enhanced railway facilities in Madhya Pradesh and stressed that upcoming projects, including the Indore–Manmad line (costing over ₹18,000 crore) and the Jabalpur–Gondia doubling (₹5,200 crore), will further drive industrial growth and tourism, benefiting sites like Kanha National Park and Dhuandhar Waterfall.
Freight Corridor and Industrial Growth
Vaishnaw also highlighted the Dankuni–Surat Dedicated Freight Corridor, a 2,000 km project connecting West Bengal to Gujarat, aimed at accelerating freight movement, reducing congestion, and lowering logistics costs. The corridor is expected to enhance industrial growth in Madhya Pradesh and improve import-export connectivity. The minister indicated plans to visit the state for further discussions on aligning the corridor with regional development priorities.
The programme was attended by MP Shri Alok Sharma, Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Jagdish Devda and Shri Rajendra Shukla, Ministers of State Smt. Krishna Gaur and Smt. Radha Singh, Sidhi MP Shri Rajesh Mishra, several MLAs, local representatives, and citizens. Divisional Railway Manager of Bhopal, Shri Pankaj Tyagi, welcomed the Chief Minister and dignitaries.