Team News Riveting
Raipur, April 16
In a unique confluence of history, heritage, and public recreation, the Steel Authority of India Limited’s Bhilai Steel Plant has announced the development of the SAIL-RAIL Park in Bhilai Township, in front of Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Jayanti Stadium, located at Indira Place.
Spread across 7 acres, the park shall be commissioned in the parking area of the stadium, directly opposite the iconic “Flight of Steel” sculpture, making it a highly visible and accessible destination in the heart of the township.
A first-of-its-kind themed recreational destination, it will commemorate the remarkable long-standing partnership between SAIL and Indian Railways, while also enriching the township’s social and cultural landscape. Likely to be completed and commissioned by the year 2026, this project is being envisioned not merely as a leisure zone but as a space that educates, engages, and inspires.
For over seven decades, Bhilai Steel Plant – the flagship unit of SAIL has stood at the heart of India’s rail infrastructure, producing world-class rails that connect every corner of the nation. The SAIL-RAIL Park seeks to translate this invisible legacy into a tangible experience that the public can see, touch, and understand. By bringing alive the story of steel and rail through creative exhibits and curated environments, the project will offer visitors an immersive journey into India’s industrial evolution.
At the heart of this park will be a 410-metre-long joyride track, along which a small toy-railcar will traverse through four creatively designed railway station models. Each of these stations will narrate a stage in the steel-making process, from Raw Material Handling and Blast Furnace Operations to Rolling Mills and the final Dispatch of Steel Rails. This rare fusion of storytelling and technology will make the park an engaging educational site, especially for school groups and steel and railway enthusiasts.
The SAIL-RAIL Park is being developed under a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model, allowing for innovative ideas from potential developers while ensuring long-term sustainability and high-quality infrastructure. Designed to be much more than an industrial showcase, the park will also serve as a full-fledged public recreational space, enhancing the quality of life in Bhilai. A beautifully landscaped waterfall with a 1,520-square-metre pond will offer a serene and refreshing retreat, creating a micro-ecosystem that may attract birds and aquatic life while contributing to groundwater recharge. This natural element will blend seamlessly with the urban setting, offering a peaceful environment for families, children, and senior citizens alike.
Adding to the park’s appeal, shaded walkways will be commissioned with water bubblers nestled under trees, offering comfort and hydration in Bhilai’s tropical climate. A dedicated skating court will provide an active zone for youth and fitness enthusiasts, while a thoughtfully designed children’s play area will ensure that younger visitors have a safe and stimulating space for fun and creative engagement. The park’s green aesthetic will be enhanced through mounded landscaping, stone art installations, and a rock garden, reflecting an ecological consciousness and artistic flair of SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant, which goes hand-in-hand with modern urban development.
Recognising the importance of social gathering spaces, the park will also house four contemporary food courts, offering diverse and hygienic dining options. These food zones will not only cater to visitors but also support the park’s financial self-sufficiency by generating steady revenue. The inclusion of such amenities ensures that the SAIL-RAIL Park remains active and vibrant throughout the day, attracting people from all walks of life.
The park is expected to emerge as a landmark destination, instilling a sense of pride among residents while drawing in tourists from across Chhattisgarh and beyond. More than just an urban beautification effort, this project embodies SAIL’s broader vision of sustainable urban growth, employee welfare, and public engagement.
With the Expression of Interest (EOI) already floated, SAIL is actively seeking partners who can contribute creativity, operational excellence, and a vision aligned with the park’s ethos. The last date for submission of EOI is May 3, 2025, and SAIL aims to finalise its partners following this process.
The goal is to develop a space that is not only visually impressive but also meaningful, a place where people can learn about India’s journey through steel and rail, while enjoying moments of leisure and community bonding. As Bhilai continues to evolve as a modern township, the SAIL-RAIL Park shall emerge as a symbolic and physical reminder of its roots.
