Raipur division is an administrative unit of the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. Headquartered in the capital city of Raipur, it is the administrative, financial, and educational nerve center of the state.[1] The division is centrally located and serves as the gateway to the southern and northern regions of Chhattisgarh.
Raipur division
रायपुर संभाग | |
|---|---|
.png) The Mantralaya (Secretariat) at Nava Raipur | |
 Map of Chhattisgarh with Raipur division highlighted | |
  Raipur division  Raipur division | |
| Coordinates (Raipur): 21°15′N 81°38′E / 21.25°N 81.63°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Chhattisgarh |
| Headquarters | Raipur |
| Districts | 5 (Baloda Bazar-Bhatapara, Dhamtari, Gariaband, Mahasamund and Raipur) |
| Area | |
• Total | 22,626 km2 (8,736 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+05:30 (IST) |
| Website | raipur |
History
editThe Raipur division has historically been the seat of the Haihayavanshi kings and later became the headquarters of the Chhattisgarh division under the British Central Provinces in 1862.[2] Post-2000, with the creation of Chhattisgarh, the division's importance surged as Raipur was designated the state capital.
Administration
editThe division is led by a Divisional Commissioner. It consists of five districts:[3]
| District | Headquarters | Established | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raipur | Raipur | 1861 | State Capital, Commercial Hub |
| Dhamtari | Dhamtari | 1998 | Gangrel Dam, Rice Mills |
| Mahasamund | Mahasamund | 1998 | Sirpur Archaeological Site |
| Gariaband | Gariaband | 2012 | Jatmai-Ghatarani Temples |
| Baloda Bazar | Baloda Bazar | 2012 | Cement Hub of India |
Economy and infrastructure
editRaipur division is the highest revenue-contributing division of the state:
- Nava Raipur: A planned smart city serving as the new administrative capital. It features the Mantralaya, various government directorates, and international-standard cricket stadiums.[4]
- Industry: Baloda Bazar district is known as the "Cement Hub of India," housing major plants like UltraTech, Ambuja, and Lafarge.[5]
- Trade: Raipur city is a major trading center for steel, coal, and agricultural products across Central India.
Education
editThe division is the educational capital of the state, hosting several premier national institutions:[6]
Connectivity
edit- Air: Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur is one of the busiest in Central India, connecting the state to major metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.[7]
- Rail: Raipur Junction is a key station on the Howrah–Nagpur–Mumbai line and is part of the SECR zone.
References
edit- ↑ Behera, Partha (25 December 2025). "Raipur: The Evolving Face of Central India". The Times of India. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ↑ "Raipur: From Colonial Outpost to State Capital". News Riveting. 20 January 2026. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ↑ "Administrative Layout of Chhattisgarh's 33 Districts". The Hindu. 3 September 2022. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ↑ "Chhattisgarh Cement Industry: Records and Growth". News Riveting. 1 February 2026. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ↑ "Education Boom in Raipur: From AIIMS to IIM". The Times of India. 5 January 2026. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ↑ "Raipur Airport Expansion: Improving Central India Air Grid". Business Standard. 10 February 2026. Retrieved 14 February 2026.