Vishnu Deo Sai left by Amarkantak Express to attend Kavi Sammelan in Bilaspur
Team News Riveting
Raipur, November 24
Indian Railways Raipur Division today had a surprise passenger when Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai reached the station to board a train to Bilaspur.
As per the schedule, Sai was supposed to go to Bilaspur—about 110 km from the state capital by road. At the last moment, he changed the programme and decided to go by train.
The Chief Minister reached Raipur junction and walked down the platform, refusing to take the battery-operated cart for a drop. The passengers at the platform were surprised to see Sai walking in the station like a passenger.
As the 12853 Durg-Bhopal Amarkantak superfast express chugged into the platform, the Chief Minister boarded the train. He was accompanied by MLA Anuj Sharma, Bhaiyalal Rajwade and Guru Khuswant Saheb. The senior officials of the civil, police and railway administration were present on the occasion.
“Train travel is not new to me,” Sai said while tossing peanuts that he carried. Pointing towards it, he quipped with a big smile: “Moongfalli ke bina rail yatra adhuri hai (train journey is incomplete with peanuts).” In a jolly mood, the Chief Minister also gave a big message by keeping a waste box and storing the waste. That was a clear message of cleanliness.
Sai said that he had travelled a lot by train and shared some interesting stories and experiences related to it with the passengers. He inquired about the innovations and passenger facilities in the railways from the officials. He said that the facilities of the railways have improved during the reign of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Passenger facilities have increased and it is also being expanded continuously. Chhattisgarh has also benefited from this and the infrastructure related to railways has increased here. He said that in the country the journey of a common man is not complete without rail travel and the double engine government is engaged in improving this entire system.
During the train journey from Raipur to Bilaspur, the Chief Minister’s simplicity and ease won the hearts of the passengers. During a discussion with the passengers, he said that the purpose of his journey is to know what is in the mind of the common people, what are their wishes and expectations from the government. This journey will give him a good opportunity to know what people think about the work of his government, that is why he chose to travel by train to Bilaspur.
The Chief Minister inquired about the health of 65-year-old Mrs. Rekha Pali and also mentioned the facility of free treatment provided by the government through Ayushman Card. On this occasion, Mrs. Rekha presented a copy of Shrimad Bhagwad Gita to the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister also talked to 45-year-old Shikha, a passenger travelling from Bhilai to Jabalpur. She shared information related to the Mahtari Vandan Yojana with her.
The most interesting conversation of the journey of the Chief Minister was with 4-year-old Samaira. The Chief Minister gave chocolate to Samaira and an autograph on request. The Chief Minister gave a lot of blessings to Samaira and wished for a bright future.
The other passengers who were part of this journey with the Chief Minister said that their trip has become memorable.