RAIPUR (Economy India): : In a significant boost for Chhattisgarh’s railway infrastructure, Union Minister Tokhan Sahu met with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi on Sunday. The meeting focused on discussing a ₹20,000 crore investment in various development projects aimed at enhancing the state’s railway network. This development promises to bring several major projects to Chhattisgarh within the next 1 to 1.5 years.
Key Projects Discussed
During the meeting, several critical projects were discussed with a focus on Chhattisgarh’s overall development. The most notable among them is the expansion of the Katghora-Mungeli-Dongargarh railway line. This project has been a longstanding demand, as it is expected to significantly improve transportation for the local population while also opening up new avenues for trade and industry. Minister Tokhan Sahu emphasized the urgency of completing this project, noting its importance to the region’s residents.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assured that the pace of work on this project would be accelerated and that it would be completed within a set timeframe. He also announced that a ₹20,000 crore investment would be made over the next 1 to 1.5 years to enhance Chhattisgarh’s railway facilities.
Restoring Train Stops
The meeting also addressed the issue of train stops that were discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic across various stations in the Bilaspur railway division. Minister Sahu requested the resumption of stops for key trains such as the Durg-Bhopal Amarkantak Superfast, Puri-Haridwar Utkal Kalinga Express, Bilaspur-Bhopal Express, among others. He urged that these stops be reinstated promptly to alleviate the inconvenience faced by passengers.
Service Expansion and New Counters
Further discussions included the extension of the Gondwana Express from Raigarh to Haridwar, which currently runs only up to Hazrat Nizamuddin. Additionally, Minister Sahu requested the opening of a new railway reservation counter in Gariaband. He highlighted that these measures would greatly benefit the local population, reducing the need for them to travel long distances for booking train tickets.
Other Development Issues
The meeting also covered other important projects and strategies to boost economic development in Chhattisgarh through improved railway infrastructure. Minister Vaishnaw committed to several initiatives aimed at enhancing the state’s railway services, ensuring that every effort would be made to realize these improvements.
This meeting marks a pivotal moment for Chhattisgarh, as the state is set to receive significant investments and new railway projects in the near future. These developments are expected to strengthen the state’s infrastructure and improve the quality of life for its residents. The discussions between Minister Tokhan Sahu and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw have opened new doors for Chhattisgarh’s growth and progress.
(Economy India)
