PM Modi launches Rs 14,260-crore development projects in Chhattisgarh on state's 25th anniversary: All you need to know

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, November 1, inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for developmental projects worth Rs 14,260 crore in Chhattisgarh, marking the state’s 25th anniversary. The projects, spanning key sectors including roads, energy, housing, healthcare, and industry, were launched during the Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav celebrations in Raipur.

Addressing a large public gathering, PM Modi said the new initiatives reflect the government’s vision of building a modern, self-reliant Chhattisgarh. He highlighted that over the past 25 years, the state has transformed from a mineral-based economy into an emerging industrial hub.

Big push to connectivity and infrastructure

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The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the Pathalgaon–Kunkuri to Chhattisgarh–Jharkhand Border Greenfield Highway, a four-lane corridor being developed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana by the National Highways Authority of India at a cost of around Rs 3,150 crore. The highway will link key coal mines, industrial areas and steel plants across Korba, Raigarh, Jashpur, Ranchi and Jamshedpur, boosting trade between central and eastern India.

He also launched the upgradation of NH-130D (Narayanpur–Kasturmeta–Kutul–Nilangur–Maharashtra Border) and the widening of NH-130C (Madangmuda–Deobhog–Odisha Border) into two lanes with paved shoulders. The projects aim to strengthen road connectivity in tribal and remote districts such as Bastar and Narayanpur, improving access to education, healthcare and local markets.

PM Modi said that the road network in Chhattisgarh’s villages has now expanded to 40,000 kilometres, drastically improving rural connectivity and reducing travel time between key cities like Raipur and Bilaspur.

Power and energy projects to boost growth

In the energy sector, PM Modi inaugurated the Inter-Regional Eastern-Western Grid Interconnection Project, which increases power transfer capacity by 1,600 MW, improving grid reliability and power supply across regions. He also unveiled energy projects worth over Rs 3,750 crore aimed at expanding the state’s electricity transmission and distribution network.

Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), works worth about Rs 1,860 crore were dedicated to upgrading power lines, feeder bifurcation and transformer installation. Nine new power substations worth Rs 480 crore were also inaugurated across Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Bemetara, Gariyaband and Bastar, benefiting nearly 15 lakh people.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation for additional substations and transmission facilities worth Rs 1,415 crore at Kanker and Balodabazar-Bhatapara, which will enhance supply reliability even in remote tribal regions.

Expanding clean fuel and industrial infrastructure

In the petroleum and gas sector, PM Modi inaugurated HPCL’s Petroleum Oil Depot in Raipur, built at a cost of Rs 460 crore, with a storage capacity of 54,000 kilolitres for petrol, diesel and ethanol. The facility supports the government’s Ethanol Blending Programme, promoting cleaner fuel and energy efficiency.

He also dedicated the 489-km Nagpur–Jharsuguda Natural Gas Pipeline, developed at an investment of Rs 1,950 crore, connecting 11 districts of Chhattisgarh to the National Gas Grid. The project aims to raise the share of natural gas in India’s energy mix to 15 per cent and ensure cleaner, affordable fuel for industries and households.

To strengthen industrial and employment opportunities, PM Modi laid the foundation stones for two Smart Industrial Areas in Janjgir-Champa and Rajnandgaon, and a Pharmaceutical Park at Nava Raipur Atal Nagar.

Focus on healthcare and welfare for the poor

The Prime Minister announced the establishment of five new government medical colleges at Manendragarh, Kabirdham, Janjgir-Champa and Geedam (Dantewada), along with a Government Ayurveda College and Hospital in Bilaspur. These will expand medical education, healthcare access and promote traditional medicine in the state.

PM Modi also launched a major housing initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), participating in the Griha Pravesh ceremony for 3.51 lakh completed houses and releasing Rs 1,200 crore as the next instalment to 3 lakh beneficiaries.

He said nearly four crore people across India have received homes under the housing scheme, with another three crore units targeted. In Chhattisgarh, he praised Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s government for providing seven lakh homes within a year, describing the initiative as “a step towards ensuring dignity and security for every poor family.”

‘New sun rising for next 25 years’

Reflecting on the state’s journey since its creation in 2000, PM Modi said: “I have seen Chhattisgarh’s transformation over 25 years. A new sun is rising for the next 25 years of progress.” He praised former Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh for steering the state during its formative years and reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerating development in tribal regions.

PM Modi also assured that the state was moving steadily towards eliminating Maoist violence, emphasising that “the day is not far when Chhattisgarh will be completely free from the menace.”