As the Parmalkasa-Kharsia-Naya Raipur railway line moves closer to reality, the focus will be on balancing development goals with the rights and aspirations of local communities.
RAIPUR/Chhattisgarh (India CSR) – In a significant development aimed at facilitating the expansion of railway infrastructure in Chhattisgarh, the state administration has imposed a comprehensive ban on the sale, purchase, and transfer of private land in 23 villages affected by the proposed Parmalkasa-Kharsia-Naya Raipur railway line project. The order, issued by Durg Collector Abhijeet Singh, came into effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice, as the state seeks to streamline land acquisition for this ambitious connectivity project.
Details of the Railway Project
The Parmalkasa-Kharsia-Naya Raipur railway line is one of several major railway initiatives approved by the Union Cabinet to enhance connectivity and economic growth in Chhattisgarh. Spanning approximately 277 kilometers, the project aims to provide an alternative route for transporting coal from the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) to western parts of India. It is part of a broader set of multi-tracking projects costing around Rs. 18,658 crore, covering 15 districts across Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, as announced by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on April 4, 2025.
The railway line will connect key regions, including the industrial hub of Kharsia, the emerging administrative center of Naya Raipur, and Parmalkasa, fostering seamless movement of goods and passengers. According to Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the project is designed to alleviate congestion on existing rail routes, accommodate an additional 21-38 million tonnes of cargo annually, and enable the operation of eight new trains, including mail express and semi-high-speed services. Additionally, the initiative is expected to have environmental benefits, saving approximately 113 crore kilograms of CO2 emissions, equivalent to planting 4.5 crore trees.
The project includes the construction of 21 stations, 48 bridges, 349 minor bridges, and five rail flyovers, with completion targeted for 2030-31. It is also anticipated to enhance connectivity to two aspirational districts, further boosting socio-economic development in the region.
***
Scope of the Land Transaction Ban
The administrative order issued by Durg Collector Abhijeet Singh prohibits a range of land-related activities in the affected villages, including:
- Subdivision of land holdings (Khata Vibhajan)
- Transfer of land ownership (Antaran)
- Diversion of land use (Vyapavartan)
- Sale and purchase of private land
These restrictions apply to private lands in 23 villages under the Patan and Durg subdivisions, which fall within the project’s alignment. The ban is intended to prevent speculative land transactions and ensure that the land acquisition process proceeds smoothly without legal or administrative complications.
A statement from the collector’s office emphasized that the measure is a precautionary step to safeguard the interests of the railway project, which is deemed critical for the state’s infrastructure development. The administration has assured that further instructions will be issued as the project progresses, particularly regarding land acquisition and compensation for affected landowners.
***
Context and Rationale
The decision to impose a ban on land transactions comes in the wake of growing concerns about unauthorized land dealings in areas earmarked for large-scale infrastructure projects. In Chhattisgarh, similar restrictions have been implemented in the past, such as the 2022 ban on land transactions in 19 villages along the proposed six-lane road under the Bharatmala Project, connecting the new capital to Durg-Rajnandgaon. These measures are often instituted to prevent land speculation, where individuals or entities purchase land at low prices in anticipation of increased valuations following infrastructure development, thereby complicating acquisition processes and inflating costs.
The Parmalkasa-Kharsia-Naya Raipur railway line is part of a broader vision to transform Chhattisgarh into a key hub for freight and passenger connectivity. The state has seen a significant push for railway development in recent years, with the central government allocating ₹6,922 crore for rail projects in 2024—approximately 22 times the average annual budget allocated between 2009 and 2014. Other ongoing projects include the Dharamjaigarh-Pathalgaon-Lohardaga, Ambikapur-Barwadih, and Rowghat-Jagdalpur rail lines, all aimed at enhancing connectivity and supporting the transport of coal, iron ore, and other minerals from the resource-rich state.
***
Reactions and Implications
The ban has elicited mixed reactions from local communities and stakeholders. While the administration views it as a necessary step to expedite the railway project, some landowners in the affected villages have expressed concerns about the restrictions’ impact on their ability to manage their properties. “We understand the importance of the railway line, but this sudden ban limits our options for selling or transferring land,” said Ramesh Sahu, a farmer from one of the affected villages in Patan. “We hope the government provides clear timelines and fair compensation for any land acquired.”
Local real estate experts have noted that such bans are common in infrastructure projects to prevent speculative buying, which can drive up land prices and complicate negotiations. “The railway line is a game-changer for Chhattisgarh’s connectivity, but the government must ensure transparent communication with landowners to avoid unrest,” said Priya Sharma, a Raipur-based property consultant.
On the other hand, industry leaders and economic analysts have welcomed the project and the associated administrative measures. “The Parmalkasa-Kharsia-Naya Raipur line will significantly reduce logistics costs for industries, particularly in the coal and steel sectors,” said a representative of the Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce. “The ban on land transactions is a pragmatic move to keep the project on track.”
***
Environmental and Social Considerations
The railway project has also been positioned as an environmentally conscious initiative, with the potential to reduce carbon emissions by facilitating more efficient freight transport. However, the land acquisition process is likely to raise questions about its social impact, particularly in rural areas where agriculture is the primary livelihood. The administration has yet to release detailed plans for rehabilitation and compensation, but officials have indicated that these will align with the state’s 2016 land purchase policy, which emphasizes mutual consent and fair remuneration.
Environmentalists have called for careful planning to minimize ecological disruption, especially given Chhattisgarh’s rich biodiversity and forested areas. The state has previously faced criticism for land-related policies, such as the 2019 proposal to allow tree felling on revenue land under the Lok Vaniki Adhiniyam, which sparked debates about balancing development and conservation.
***
Broader Context of Railway Development in Chhattisgarh
The Parmalkasa-Kharsia-Naya Raipur railway line is part of a series of transformative infrastructure projects in Chhattisgarh, reflecting the state’s strategic importance in India’s rail network. Other notable initiatives include:
- Korba-Ambikapur Rail Line: A 180-km project aimed at connecting coal-rich regions and facilitating mineral transport.
- Dalli Rajhara-Rowghat-Jagdalpur Line: A 235-km line to connect the mineral-rich Bastar region to steel industries, though it has faced delays due to opposition from local communities and Naxalite activities.
- Dharamjaigarh-Pathalgaon-Lohardaga Line: A 240-km project to enhance connectivity between northern Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
These projects underscore Chhattisgarh’s role as a critical node in India’s freight and industrial corridors, particularly for the transport of coal, iron ore, and steel. The state’s railway development has also been bolstered by collaborations between the central government, state authorities, and public sector entities like the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC).
***
