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HomeIndiaChhattisgarhTrain Travel Guide to Chhattisgarh: Major Routes and Timetables

Train Travel Guide to Chhattisgarh: Major Routes and Timetables

The heart of India, Chhattisgarh has been an important center in the network of Indian Railways for a long time. Whether it is to attend business meetings in Raipur, visit Bilaspur for administrative work, travel to Bastar for tribal tourism, or enjoy the temples and forests of this beautiful state, traveling by train is one of the most convenient, economical, and comfortable ways to reach your destination.

This guide will provide you with the railway connectivity resources in Chhattisgarh such as key railway stations, popular routes, train timings, ticket booking strategies, local rail options, and much more. We will also outline travel tips for both first timers and frequent travelers.

Why Choose Chhattisgarh Train Travel?

  • Cost-effective: Trains are more affordable than flights for families and longer routes.
  • Trains cover remote areas like villages, rivers, plateaus, and dense forests and offer picturesque views.
  • Even smaller towns like Ambikapur, Korba, and Jagadlspur are connected by trains.
  • Comfortable sleeping quarters and AC classes available with food service on long routes.

Chhattisgarh Railway Overview

Bilaspur is the Zonal Headquarters of the South East Central Railway (SECR) zone that Chhattisgarh is in with Raipur and Nagpur as other divisions. Both passenger and goods traffic are serviced by these divisions.

Core Rail Lines That Span Through:

  • Howrah–Mumbai Line: Essential east-west route through Bilaspur and Raipur.
  • Delhi–Visakhapatnam Line: North-south connectivity through Raipur.
  • Nagpur–Raigarh Line: An industrial and mineral corridor.
  • Raipur–Jagdalpur Line: Links the tribal Bastar region.

Key Railway Stations in Chhattisgarh

Let’s explore the key railway stations in the state and the regions they serve:

1. Raipur Junction (R):

  • Capita city station.
  • Strongly linked with Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
  • Major trains either originate or halt here.
  • Close to: Bhilai, Naya Raipur.

2. Bilaspur Junction (BSP)

  • Zonal HQ of SECR.
  • One of the busiest and cleanest stations in India.
  • Regular trains serving all metros.
  • Close to: Ratanpur, Amarkantak, Korba.

3. Durg Junction (DURG)

  • Serves twin Durg and Bhilai cities.
  • Industrial commuter frequents this station.
  • Strong links to western and central India.

4. Jagdalpur (JDB)

  • Entrance to Bastar and Chitrakote Falls.
  • Limited trains but significant for tribal tourism.

5. Korba (KRBA)

  • Coal and industrial hub of the eastern region.
  • Direct trains from Howrah, Raipur and Bilaspur.

6. Raigarh (RIG)

  • Border access to Odisha and eastern Chhattisgarh.
  • Connections to Jharsuguda and Rourkela.

7. Ambikapur (ABKP)

  • Northerly limit with rail access.
  • Notable for forest and tribal tourism.

Chhattisgarh Main Train Lines

The following are the most commonly used routes and trains from major Indian cities:

From Delhi to Raipur/Bilaspur

TrainDepartureArrivalDaysClass
Bilaspur Rajdhani (12442)15:45 (NDLS)06:35 (BSP)Daily
Samta Express (12808)07:00 (NZM)08:15 (R)Daily
Chhattisgarh Express (18238)16:15 (NDLS)17:20 (R)Daily

Tips:

  • Rajdhani is fastest, with food and bedding included.
  • Samta is best for budget and early morning departure.

From Mumbai to Raipur/Durg

TrainDepartureArrivalDaysClass
Gitanjali Express (12859)06:00 (CSMT)19:35 (R)Daily
Howrah Mail (12809)20:35 (CSMT)13:05 (R)Daily
Azad Hind Express (12129)16:25 (PUNE)10:15 (R)Daily

Tips:

  • Evening trains are more relaxed for overnight journey.
  • Durg is a better stop for those staying in Bhilai or nearby.

From Kolkata to Bilaspur/Raipur

TrainDepartureArrivalDaysClass
Shalimar Express (18030)15:55 (SHM)05:00 (BSP)Daily
Kolkata–Mumbai Duronto (12261)05:45 (HWH)17:35 (R)Mon, Wed, Fri

Tips:

  • Kolkata Duronto is a fast and premium train.
  • Bilaspur has more options from Kolkata than Raipur.

From Bangalore to Raipur

TrainDepartureArrivalDaysClass
Yeshvantpur Korba Express (22648)11:40 (YPR)15:35 (R)Mon, Tue, Sat
Sanghamitra Express (12295)09:00 (YPR)13:30 (R)Daily

Tips:

  • Book early for sleeper class as they fill fast.
  • Evening arrival in Raipur gives easy city transfer.

From Hyderabad to Raipur

TrainDepartureArrivalDaysClass
Hyderabad–Raipur SF Express (12771)20:00 (HYB)09:00 (R)Daily
Secunderabad–Durg Express (17007)21:40 (SC)14:30 (DURG)Daily

Tips:

  • Night trains help save hotel stays.
  • Durg is ideal for people going to work in the industrial areas.

From Bhubaneswar to Raipur

TrainDepartureArrivalDaysClass
Samaleswari Express (18005)08:50 (BBS)22:20 (R)DailySL, 3A
Visakhapatnam–Durg Express (18530)07:00 (VSKP)21:00 (DURG)DailySL, 3A

Local Train Routes in the State of Chhattisgarh

Within the state, one can use city-to-city and short distance trains to get around.

Most Used Local Routes:

  • Intercity Express for Raipur – Bilaspur: 3 hrs
  • MEMU trains for Raipur – Durg: 1 hr
  • Bilaspur to Korba Passenger train: 2 hrs
  • Raipur to Jagdalpur (scenic route): 7-8 hrs

Best Local Trains Available:

RouteTrainDepartureArrival
Raipur–BilaspurBilaspur Intercity (18239)08:3011:40
Durg–RaipurMEMU (68702)Every hourEvery hour
Bilaspur–KorbaKorba Passenger07:0009:10
Raipur–JagdalpurDEMU (58528)06:1513:45

Order train tickets: a step by step process

Tickets booking step by step Chhattisgarh

Via online middel:

  • Best for direct booking is irctc.co.in or their app
  • MakeMyTrip, Paytm, and ConfirmTkt have user friendly interfaces and cashback offers.

Booking classes of different travel modes:

ClassBest ForNotes
1A / 2ABusiness / Comfort seekersBedding, privacy
3AGeneral travellersBudget-friendly with AC
SL (Sleeper)Budget travellers / FamiliesOpen berths
2S (Second Sitting)Short travelNon-AC, basic seating

Booking Tips:

  • Atleast 1 week in advance for AC classes
  • “Where is My Train” app for train running status
  • Last minute bookings? Use IRCTCs Tatkal option.

Traveling in Chhattisgarh by train

  • Remember to bring an ID: Required when traveling with an e-ticket.
  • If you are placed in SL or 2S coaches, travel light.
  • If you board from small stations, bring your own food.
  • If traveling to remote areas arriving at major stations, don’t travel at night.
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
  • Retiring rooms are accessible from Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg.

Cleanliness & Safety

  • Durg and Raipur train stations are amongst the most cleanest in India.
  • Privacy and safety provided by the GRP help CCTV and security checks.
  • Do not give your luggage to strange porters
  • Prepaid auto/taxi booths located at all major stations

When to Take a Train to Chhattisgarh

Its best to travel by train during Winter (Oct-Feb) for beautiful, scenic routes and comfortable weather. During Summer (Mar-Jun), the heat can be difficult while Monsoon (Jul-Sep) trains are best for city travel.

Take The Train to Chhattisgarh

Most travelers do not know that Chhattisgarh is well connected. The railway network is extensive and offers great opportunities to explore not only the big cities but also small towns, tribal areas and even rural regions.

Train voyages are well-suited for all types of travelers, be it solo and family vacationers, professionals or culture admirers. They all will find a budget sleeper and an AC class.

Select your route, purchase your train tickets, and let the journey into the heart of India begin.

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