The South East Central Railway (SECR) Raipur division has added only 30 trains over the past 24 years despite a sharp rise in passenger numbers and revenue. The number of trains operating through the division increased from around 120 in 2003 to 150 in 2026, while annual passenger footfall rose from 1.57 crore to 5.09 crore during the same period. The figures have renewed concerns over whether train availability has kept pace with growing demand.

Passenger revenue has also increased substantially over the period, rising nearly eightfold from Rs 80.64 crore in 2003 to Rs 631 crore in 2026. The Raipur division is among the important revenue-generating divisions of the SECR, but the comparatively modest increase in passenger services has become a concern for daily commuters. The gap between rising passenger volumes and train availability has put greater pressure on existing services.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh has recorded a decline in the number of bank branches, with the State Level Bankers’ Committee reporting that the state had 35,253 branches in June 2026 compared with 36,273 in December 2025. The reduction of 1,020 branches over six months has been attributed primarily to ongoing bank mergers. The decline has continued across quarterly reviews despite directions issued during SLBC meetings to expand the physical banking network.

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While the number of traditional bank branches has fallen, ATM infrastructure and account openings have continued to increase, according to the SLBC report. The developments indicate a shift in the way banking services are being accessed across the state, even as concerns remain about the availability of physical branches. The reduction in branches is particularly significant in the context of efforts to expand banking access and maintain a wider physical network.

In another development, Nandanvan Zoo and Jungle Safari in Raipur is set to explore advanced wildlife treatment and conservation practices modelled on Gujarat’s Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Kingdom, popularly known as Vantara. Under the proposed partnership, the Raipur facility could adopt rescue, treatment and rehabilitation practices used for injured, orphaned and endangered animals. The proposal is expected to be placed before the Wildlife Board’s Standing Committee for consideration at its first meeting.

The proposed collaboration is aimed at strengthening veterinary care and wildlife rehabilitation facilities at Nandanvan Zoo and Jungle Safari. If approved, the initiative would introduce more advanced treatment and conservation protocols at the Raipur facility. The proposal is part of efforts to upgrade wildlife management infrastructure and improve the medical care available to animals housed at the zoo and safari.

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