Shri Tokhan Sahu Meets Union Ministers Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and Shri C.R. Patil; Raises Key Public Issues Related to Rail Connectivity and Mahanadi Water Dispute
New Delhi, Shri Tokhan Sahu, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, today met Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, in New Delhi and discussed several matters of public importance concerning the people of Chhattisgarh.
During the meeting, Shri Sahu expressed his gratitude to the Railway Minister for the operation of the special train service between Chhattisgarh and Deoghar, Jharkhand, during the upcoming Shravani Mela. The Railway Administration has announced the operation of Train no. 08895/08896, which will undertake five trips in each direction between August 1 and August 30, 2026.
Shri Sahu noted that during the holy month of Sawan, a large number of devotees from Chhattisgarh and other parts of Central India travel to Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Jharkhand, to perform Jalabhishek. He appreciated the Railways for ensuring alternative travel arrangements through special train services and for considering the augmentation of additional coaches based on passenger demand, thereby prioritising both public convenience and the faith of devotees.
Shri Sahu observed that the positive intervention of the Railway Ministry has brought significant relief to thousands of pilgrims and will help ensure their journey is completed smoothly, comfortably and safely. In view of the consistently high demand from devotees, he requested the Railway Minister to consider introducing a regular train service connecting the region with Deoghar.
Shri Sahu also reiterated several long-pending public demands from Chhattisgarh. He once again urged the Railway Minister to expedite progress on the proposed Katghora–Dongargarh rail line and sought early resolution of a long pending issue of Budhwari Bazar shopkeepers requesting for rightful waiver of hefty interest imposed by SECR.
In another engagement, Shri Tokhan Sahu met Shri C.R. Patil, Union Minister of Jal Shakti and held discussions on the long-pending issue of the Mahanadi Water Dispute between the States of Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
During the meeting, Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Minister of State for Jal Shakti was also present. Shri Sahu underscored the importance of arriving at a balanced and equitable resolution to the dispute, noting that it directly concerns the water security, livelihoods and developmental aspirations of millions of people in both states.
Seeking the intervention of the Jal Shakti Minister, Shri Sahu requested that the Central Water Commission (CWC) be directed to expeditiously lead the Joint Technical Committee comprising senior officials from both states to facilitate constructive dialogue and technical deliberations.
He further urged the Ministry of Jal Shakti to ensure a time-bound engagement process between the concerned stakeholders so that a mutually agreed roadmap on water sharing and related issues can be formulated and submitted to the Tribunal without unnecessary delay.
Shri Sahu stated that cooperative and collaborative efforts between all stakeholders would help safeguard the interests of both states while promoting sustainable and equitable management of the Mahanadi river basin for future generations.
