Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant moment in Chhattisgarh’s development by inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for eight projects worth over Rs 7,000 crore in Raipur on Friday. Speaking at the event, PM Modi emphasized the historical significance of the day and highlighted how these projects would contribute to infrastructure development and progress in the state. He described the initiatives as a gift for enhancing infrastructure and connectivity, ultimately improving the lives of the people in Chhattisgarh.
PM Modi underscored the central government’s commitment to bringing modern infrastructure to areas that were previously deprived of social justice. He specifically mentioned the inclusion of far-flung regions in the development process. The Prime Minister dedicated five National Highway projects, with a combined worth of around Rs 6,400 crores. Among them was the 33 km-long four-laning of the Raipur to Kodebod section on the Jabalpur-Jagdalpur National Highway. Additionally, he inaugurated the 53 km-long four-lane Bilaspur-Pathrapali stretch of the Bilaspur to Ambikapur section of NH-130.
Moreover, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for three National Highway projects under the Chhattisgarh Section of the 6-lane Greenfield Raipur-Visakhapatnam corridor. These projects encompass the development of the 43 km-long six-lane Jhanki-Sargi section on NH 130 CD, the 57 km-long six-lane Sargi-Basanwahi section on NH 130 CD, and the 25 km-long six-lane Basanwahi-Marangpuri section of NH-130 CD.
During his address, the Prime Minister emphasized the link between modern infrastructure and social justice. He highlighted India’s efforts to develop infrastructure in previously neglected areas, effectively reducing regional disparities. PM Modi specifically mentioned the Raipur-Dhanbad and Raipur-Visakhapatnam economic corridors, which traverse aspirational districts that were historically known for underdevelopment and unrest. He applauded these districts for becoming drivers of India’s economic growth.
In addition to infrastructure projects, PM Modi dedicated the doubling of the 103-km Raipur-Khariar Road Rail Line, constructed at a cost of Rs 750 crore. He also distributed 75 lakh cards to beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and acknowledged the provision of Rs 40,000 crore in assistance to Chhattisgarh’s youth through the Mudra Yojna.
PM Modi commended the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana for bringing roads to thousands of tribal villages in Chhattisgarh over the past nine years. The central government has approved projects for approximately 3,500 km of National Highways in the state, with around 3,000 km already completed.
The state of Chhattisgarh, where the BJP is presently in the Opposition, is among the five states scheduled to hold Assembly elections later this year. The other states are Rajasthan, Telangana, Mizoram, and Madhya Pradesh.
