Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai pushes key railway projects in meeting with Ashwini Vaishnaw

Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Vishnu Deo Sai met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi to get accelerated approval and execution of several pending and proposed railway projects to expand the railway network in Chhattisgarh.

Union minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu and Rajnandgaon MP Santosh Pandey attended the meeting. In the talks, both sides reached an accord to expedite multiple important railway projects linking the North and the South Chhattisgarh.

A major project coming up was Katghora–Dongargarh railway line, which is expected to be built using a joint venture between the Railways Ministry and the Government of Chhattisgarh. For the project, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be set-up with various parts linked to the Railway network for the first time for Katghora, Kartala, Mungeli, Kawardha, Khairagarh and Dongargarh.

The meeting was also briefed on the advancement of 140km Raoghat-Jagdalpur railway line. Chief Minister Sai told the Railway Minister land acquisition was done and the stages for tendering are going on. Vaishnaw said he would ensure prompt implementation of the project.

Sai has also requested the approval of the Sardega–Pathalgaon–Ambikapur, Dharamjaigarh–Pathalgaon–Lohardaga and Ambikapur–Barwadih railway projects at the earliest by the Centre.

Further, both sides agreed to expedite survey process for the rail corridors of Kirandul – Kothagudem and Gadchiroli – Bijapur – Kirandul (Bacheli), which are likely to make significant contribution towards connectivity in Bastar region.

After the meeting, MP Santosh Pandey stated his faith in this project in strengthening employment, industries, Chhattisgarh tourism and overall development of Chhattisgarh.