Raman says Rowghat project is Chhattisgarh's lifeline

Raipur, May 19 (UNI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today welcomed the Centre's move to expedite construction of the Dalirajhara-Rowghat rail project, describing it as the ''lifeline'' for the state's development.

Addressing reporters here, he said the Prime Minister's Office was closely monitoring the Rowghat project proposal.

''I am confident of a favourable outcome,'' he said.

Mr Singh said Chief Secretary R P Baghai was already in Delhi to attend a project-related meeting convened by the Centre.

Construction of the 135-km-long line was pending for several years due to various reasons -- including lack of clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests -- ever since the Railways, Steel Authority of India and the government of undivided Madhya Pradesh inked a MoU.

The project would directly contribute to development of tribal Bastar region. Besides, it would also benefit the public-sector Bhilai Steel Plant in terms of cheaper transport of iron ore from the Rowghat mines.

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