West Champaran: The Union minister of state for coal and mines, Satish Chandra Dubey, held an important meeting in New Delhi on Thursday with the Union minister for railways, information and broadcasting, and electronics and information technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw. The meeting took place at Rail Bhawan and focused on two key issues: ensuring an uninterrupted supply of coal for the country’s energy needs and speeding up railway and infrastructure development in Bihar, especially in the West Champaran region.
During the discussion, Dubey stressed the need for better coordination between the coal ministry and the railways. He explained that coal stocks are currently sufficient at several mine pitheads, including those of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited. However, he pointed out that timely transportation is essential to prevent shortages at power plants. Both ministers agreed that improving logistics and increasing the number of railway rakes would help ensure smooth and regular movement of coal across the country.
The meeting also focused strongly on regional development. Dubey shared the concerns and expectations of the people of West Champaran, highlighting the importance of improved rail connectivity for economic growth. He requested faster progress on the Chhitauni–Tamkuhi rail project, which will connect parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and the proposed Vaishali–Areraj–Sugauli new rail line. According to him, these projects would improve access to remote areas, support trade and create new opportunities for local communities.
In addition, Dubey raised several demands related to passenger convenience and public safety. He proposed that the Patliputra–Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express should halt at Harinagar station, which has become an important industrial centre due to its sugar mill and ethanol plant. He also asked for a halt of the Patliputra–Bagaha Intercity at Khairpokhra station to help rural passengers. The need for railway overbridges at nine busy level crossings in Bettiah, Bagaha and Narkatiaganj was also emphasised, along with a request for an underpass at Chanpatia, to reduce accidents and traffic problems.
Ashwini Vaishnaw welcomed the suggestions and assured Dubey that both coal transportation issues and development projects in Champaran would be taken up on a priority basis. The assurances from the meeting have raised hopes that long-pending railway works and safety projects in West Champaran may finally see faster progress, bringing better connectivity, safer travel and overall development to the region.
