MoS Sahu seeks expediting pending works of Railway

BILASPUR,INDIA: Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu met with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav to express gratitude for the substantial allocation and emphasized the need for swift completion of critical railway projects in the Bilaspur parliamentary constituency. Sahu highlighted several pending works requiring immediate attention, including the construction of underbridges and overbridges at key locations and the initiation of long-pending projects.

The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated an unprecedented ₹6,925 crore for railway infrastructure and passenger facilities in Bilaspur, marking a historic increase—22 times the average annual budget of ₹311 crore from 2009-14. The significant financial boost is expected to accelerate key railway projects in the region, improving connectivity and infrastructure.

Among the major demands are underbridges near Marhi Mata Temple at Bhanwartank railway station, on the Salka-Mazgaon access road, Nawagaon (Salka) Dheluvapur access road, and in Jairam Nagar's Azad Mohalla. Additionally, the completion of the long-pending Jairam Nagar overbridge and the construction of an overbridge near Kota railway station for Ratanpur city, home to the revered Maa Mahamaya Temple, were stressed.

Sahu also urged for crucial train stoppages at Jairam Nagar and Bilha stations. He proposed halts for the Bilaspur-Tatanagar Express and Korba-Raipur Hasdeo Express at Jairam Nagar station. Similarly, he recommended reinstating train stops at Bilha station for Sarnath Express, Kurla Express, Ambikapur Express, Intercity Super Fast Express, Link Express, and Shivnath Express, which previously halted there during the COVID-19 period. Bilha's significance as a commercial hub, housing 50 rice mills, five poha mills, 15 dolomite mines, crushers, and an FCI warehouse, further strengthens the need for these stoppages.

Additionally, Sahu pressed for the long-delayed commencement of the Katghora-Dongargarh railway line project, which remains stalled despite its potential to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth.

With this record budgetary support, expectations are high for expedited implementation of these vital railway projects, ensuring enhanced infrastructure and travel convenience for the people of Bilaspur and beyond.