A major boost to road connectivity and regional growth in Chhattisgarh has been achieved with the completion of the four-laning of the Raipur–Kodebod section of National Highway-30, a critical corridor linking Raipur with Dhamtari and interior districts. Implemented by the National Highways Authority of India under the National Highway Development Programme, the 33.2-kilometre project has transformed an overburdened two-lane stretch into a modern four-lane divided highway, significantly enhancing travel efficiency, safety and freight movement in central Chhattisgarh.

 

The project, which commenced on 11 March 2017, was completed and commissioned on 20 June 2023 after achieving 100 per cent physical progress, at a total cost of Rs 1,671.69 crore. The upgraded corridor covers the stretch from kilometre 10.200 to kilometre 43.400 of National Highway-30 and plays a vital role in connecting Raipur with Dhamtari district and adjoining rural and semi-urban regions. Sanctioned in September 2016, the highway supports passenger traffic as well as the movement of agricultural produce, cement, steel and other industrial freight. During execution, the project faced multiple challenges, including land-related issues, utility shifting and material-supply constraints.

 

One of the key bottlenecks arose from intermittent shortages of fly ash and pond ash—essential materials for embankment construction—sourced from National Thermal Power Corporation Limited units at Sipat and Lara. These shortages were linked to evolving regulatory interpretations and coordination requirements following communications from the Ministry of Power, which temporarily disrupted construction sequencing. In parallel, a land-transfer issue involving 0.256 hectares at Boriyakala village in Raipur district surfaced after construction had begun.

 

The parcel was subsequently identified as land belonging to the Defence Research and Development Organisation and required formal transfer and working permission under the Ministry of Defence framework. Though limited in area, the location was strategically critical, and work stoppage at this point disrupted corridor continuity. A decisive turnaround came after the project was reviewed under the Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation platform in February 2023.

 

The high-level review placed focused emphasis on expeditious resolution of pending land acquisition, utility shifting and material-supply issues, with clear directions for close coordination between Central Government Ministries and the Government of Chhattisgarh. Follow-up meetings were held under the Prime Minister’s Office, the Cabinet Secretariat and the Project Monitoring Group of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, ensuring sustained institutional engagement. Subsequently, coordinated action among the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Defence, National Thermal Power Corporation Limited, Defence Research and Development Organisation and the State Government stabilised fly ash supply and resolved the