PM Modi unveils development projects worth Rs 33,700 crore in Chhattisgarh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple development projects worth over Rs 33,700 crore in Chhattisgarh, spanning infrastructure, energy, railways, and education sectors. The event was held in Mohbhattha village, Bilaspur district, marking his first visit to the state after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

During the event, PM Modi flagged off the Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train service in the Abhanpur-Raipur section via Mandir Hasaud and handed over the keys of houses to three beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). He also laid the foundation stone for NTPC’s Sipat Super Thermal Power Project Stage-III (1x800MW) in Bilaspur, a state-of-the-art Ultra-Supercritical Technology-based project worth Rs 9,790 crore, and the First Super Critical Thermal Power Project (2X660MW) of the Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited (CSPGCL) worth Rs 15,800 crore.

Further strengthening the power infrastructure, PM Modi dedicated three power transmission projects under the Western Region Expansion Scheme (WRES) worth Rs 560 crore. Additionally, he inaugurated the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd’s City Gas Distribution (CGD) project covering Korea, Surajpur, Balrampur, and Surguja districts. This Rs 1,285 crore initiative includes over 200 km of high-pressure pipeline and multiple CNG outlets.

In the petroleum sector, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the Visakh-Raipur Pipeline (VRPL) Project of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), spanning 540 km and worth Rs 2,210 crore. This multiproduct pipeline will transport petrol, diesel, and kerosene, ensuring a steady energy supply.

Railway expansion also featured prominently, with the foundation stone laid for seven new railway projects covering 108 km, along with the inauguration of three railway projects worth Rs 2,690 crore spanning 111 km. The Prime Minister also dedicated 100% electrification of the Chhattisgarh railway network, a significant milestone in improving rail connectivity and efficiency in the state.

On the road infrastructure front, PM Modi inaugurated the upgraded Jhalmala to Sherpar section of NH-930 (37 km) and the Ambikapur-Pathalgaon section of NH-43 (75 km) with paved shoulders. Additionally, the foundation stone was laid for the Kondagaon-Narayanpur section of NH-130D (47.5 km) to be upgraded to a two-lane highway, enhancing connectivity for tribal and industrial regions with an investment of Rs 1,270 crore.

Education was also a major focus, with the launch of 130 PM SHRI Schools across 29 districts and the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) in Raipur. These initiatives aim to enhance educational infrastructure with smart boards, modern laboratories, and libraries. The VSK will facilitate online monitoring and data analysis of government education schemes. Additionally, a ‘Griha Pravesh’ ceremony was held for three lakh PMAY-G beneficiaries, marking a significant step in housing development for rural communities.