Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated various development projects worth approximately Rs 7,500 crore in Chhattisgarh on Friday. The event took place at the Science College Ground, and the Prime Minister addressed the gathering, highlighting the significance of these projects for the state’s development journey. PM Modi emphasised that the projects, focused on infrastructure and connectivity that would improve the lives of people and strengthen the healthcare system in Chhattisgarh. PM Modi also stressed the employment opportunities that would arise from these projects, benefiting paddy farmers, mineral industry, and the tourism sector. He conveyed his congratulations to the people of the state, stating that these initiatives would mark a new era of development and convenience, particularly in the tribal areas. Recognising the crucial role of infrastructure in development, PM Modi reiterated the government’s focus on infrastructure development in regions that have lagged behind. He highlighted the importance of infrastructure in enhancing the ease of living, ease of doing business, employment opportunities, and overall rapid development.

 

The PM mentioned the progress made in road connectivity through the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana, with thousands of tribal villages in Chhattisgarh now connected. He also announced the approval and completion of several National Highway projects, including the inauguration of the Raipur-Kodebod and Bilaspur-Pathrapali highways. He underscored the social justice aspect of modern infrastructure, noting that the improved roads and railway lines would connect the settlements of the poor, Dalits, backward classes, and tribals, improving access to hospitals and benefiting women. He highlighted the transformation brought about by mobile connectivity, mentioning the significant decrease in villages without mobile connectivity in Chhattisgarh, particularly in tribal areas previously affected by Naxalite violence. The Prime Minister mentioned the installation of over 700 mobile towers to ensure good 4G connectivity and emphasized the impact of mobile connectivity on various tasks, emphasizing its contribution to social justice and inclusive development. The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of two economic corridors, the Raipur-Dhanbad Economic Corridor and Raipur-Vishakhapatnam Economic Corridor, which are set to bring about transformative changes in the region. He noted that these corridors pass through aspirational districts that were once considered backward and plagued by violence. PM Modi highlighted the reduced travel time between Raipur and Visakhapatnam and the connection of various agricultural and craft-rich regions to the rest of the country through the new economic corridors.

 

He also praised the construction of tunnels and animal passes to ensure wildlife convenience along the roadways. Regarding industrial development, the Prime Minister mentioned the government's efforts to cryeate new opportunities and set up industries in areas abundant in natural resources. The Prime Minister shared that Chhattisgarh had received Rs 1300 crore as royalty in the four years before 2014. However, he noted that between 2015-16 and 2020-21, the state received about Rs 2800 crore as royalty. This increase in royalty funds was attributed to the policies implemented by the government, particularly the changes made in the Mines and Mineral Act. The Prime Minister highlighted the positive impact of this increase in revenue, mentioning that it has facilitated accelerated development in districts rich in mineral resources. He further explained that the District Mineral Fund has played a significant role in utilizing the additional funds for various developmental projects, including schools, libraries, roads, and water arrangements in these districts. PM Modi also acknowledged the positive impact of schemes such as Jan Dhan accounts, Mudra Yojana, and PM Swanidhi Yojana in providing financial support and employment opportunities to the poor and tribal communities. The Prime Minister highlighted the initiatives taken in the health sector, including the distribution of Ayushman cards to 75 lakh beneficiaries. He emphasized the guarantee of free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh annually in over 1500 major hospitals for the underprivileged and tribal families. PM Modi assured the people of Chhattisgarh that the government is committed to serving every family with the same spirit of service.

 

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel also addressed the gathering. Gadkari emphasized that the inauguration of these national projects would create wealth and increase capital investment in the state. Baghel expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister's visit and urged for continued assistance to the newly formed state. The event witnessed the foundation stone laying and dedication of several projects, including five National Highway projects, the doubling of the Raipur-Khariar Road Rail Line, a new railway line connecting Keoti-Antagarh, a bottling plant of the Indian Oil Corporation, and the flagging off of the Antagarh-Raipur Train via video link. Additionally, the Prime Minister initiated the distribution of Ayushman Bharat cards to beneficiaries. The event was attended by dignitaries including Chhattisgarh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan, Deputy Chief Minister T S Singhdeo, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of State Renuka Singh Saruta, Chhattisgarh Public Works Department Minister Tamradhwaj Sahu, former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Dr. Raman Singh, and various Members of Parliament and Legislative Assembly