Staff Reporter :
Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda on Saturday said that completion of two successful years of Mohan Yadav-led Madhya Pradesh Government has marked a decisive phase of development for Jabalpur district, with huge investments in infrastructure, health, education, industry, agriculture and social welfare. Addressing a press conference, Devda informed that thousands of crores of rupees have been spent over the past two years to strengthen basic facilities and improve the quality of life of citizens.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that soon after formation of new Government, Jabalpur was given special importance. He said the first meeting of the State Cabinet was held in Jabalpur, reflecting the Government’s commitment to the region. He added that along with development, equal emphasis was laid on preserving cultural and historical heritage of the district, particularly projects related to Gondwana legacy and Rani Durgavati.
Devda informed that the road and transport infrastructure in Jabalpur has witnessed unprecedented expansion. The Damoh Naka-Madan Mahal elevated corridor was constructed at a cost of about Rs 1,232 crore, significantly easing traffic congestion. He said several other flyovers, rail over bridges and major road widening projects were sanctioned and executed to improve connectivity within the city and with surrounding regions.
He also highlighted that work on India’s second-largest ring road project is underway in Jabalpur, with four major packages worth around Rs 2,983 crore taken up during the last two years.
Referring to bridge construction, the Minister Incharge of the District said major projects over the Narmada river, including the cable-stayed bridge at Lamheta Ghat and bridges near Bhedaghat are at advanced stages and will add to both connectivity and tourism potential. He added that more than Rs 1,600 crore has been sanctioned for construction and upgradation of roads in urban and rural areas, covering hundreds of kilometres. On industrial development, Devda said that the Regional Industry Conclave held in Jabalpur gave a strong push to investment.
He informed that MSME units and large industries were allotted land in the Umaria-Dungaria and Hargarh industrial areas, resulting in capital investment worth several hundred crores and generation of substantial employment. He said the government has also focused on startups, self-employment schemes and skill development to create opportunities for youth.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that significant progress has been made in the health sector. Speaking on education, Devda said that quality improvement has been a major focus. He informed that Sandipani schools, PM Shri schools, smart classrooms and ICT labs have been established across the district.
On women empowerment, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana has emerged as a
landmark initiative. He informed that around 3.9 lakh women in Jabalpur district have received more than Rs 970 crore directly into their bank accounts, providing them with financial security. Devda also highlighted progress in agriculture sector. The Deputy CM said that urban development and cleanliness initiatives have brought national recognition to Jabalpur. He informed that
Jabalpur Municipal Corporation secured the fifth position in the Swachh Survekshan 2024. He added that housing schemes, drinking water projects, gaushala construction and administrative reforms have strengthened governance at the grassroots level. Devda said that the past two years have laid a strong foundation for long-term growth in Jabalpur. He expressed confidence that with ongoing and upcoming projects, the district will emerge as one of Madhya Pradesh’s leading centres of development, employment and public welfare in the coming years.