State PCS - Chhattisgarh (CGPSC)

• 26 Jul 2025

Raipur-Durg Metro Rail Project

Why in News? 

The Chhattisgarh government has approved the Raipur-Durg Metro Rail Project to boost the socio-economic development of the state capital, Raipur.  

Key Points 

• About: This initiative is a part of the broader vision to establish a State Capital Region (SCR), modeled after Delhi’s National Capital Region (NCR).  
  • The SCR aims to integrate key urban areas such as Raipur, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, and the Durg-Bhilai corridor into a unified, well-coordinated urban framework. 
• Objectives: 
  • Efficient Transportation: The metro rail system is designed to enhance the movement of people, reduce road congestion, and streamline transportation within the SCR. 
  • Regional Infrastructure Development: It will contribute to shared infrastructure development across the region, ensuring more coordinated growth. 
  • Population Growth: With an anticipated population of over 50 lakh by 2031, the metro system is being developed to cater to the growing demand for reliable and accessible public transportation. 
• Funding and Initial Steps: In the 2024-25 state budget, the Chhattisgarh government has allocated an initial sum of ₹5 crore for conducting a comprehensive feasibility survey. This marks the first step toward assessing the project's technical, financial, and operational feasibility. 
  • Additionally, Raipur Municipal Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation in August 2024 to explore the potential implementation of a light metro system in Raipur. 
• Establishment of Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA): To ensure the successful planning and execution of the Raipur-Durg Metro Rail Project, the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) is being set up. The CRDA will oversee the development of the State Capital Region (SCR) and ensure that the project is carried out in a coordinated manner. 
  • Key Functions of the CRDA: 
    • Urban Planning: The CRDA will be responsible for regulating land use, developing infrastructure, and facilitating investments within the SCR. 
    • Environmental Management: Ensuring sustainable development will be a core responsibility, with the authority managing environmental concerns across the region. 
    • Coordination and Implementation: It will play a central role in integrating regional planning with actual implementation, promoting cohesive urban growth. 
  • Governance Structure: The CRDA will be chaired by the Chief Minister and will include cabinet ministers, senior bureaucrats, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), and representatives from urban local bodies. 
    • The authority will guide and monitor the progress of the metro project, ensuring alignment with regional development goals. 
  • Funding and Budgeting: The CRDA will have the authority to impose a dedicated infrastructure cess to support capital-intensive projects like the metro rail.  
    • It will also be responsible for preparing annual budgets and submitting regular progress reports to the state government.