An important step was taken today to accelerate infrastructure development in Chhattisgarh. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi, during which several key road projects in the state received a green signal. During the meeting, the Union Minister directed officials to expedite financial approvals for projects worth over Rs 7,000 crore currently planned in Chhattisgarh. Additionally, an approval of Rs 600 crore was sanctioned under the Central Road Fund (CRF), paving the way for the construction and upgradation of several roads in the state.

 

To decongest traffic in Raipur, four major bridges will be constructed, with their foundation stones to be laid soon. Moreover, roads connecting the capital city to other districts will be widened from two lanes to four, ensuring faster and safer travel.It was also decided during the meeting that Chhattisgarh’s road planning will now leverage the Centre’s Gati Shakti portal, enabling faster project clearances. Nitin Gadkari instructed that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a 95-km six-lane road connecting Raipur–Arang–Bilaspur–Darri be prepared swiftly. This road will link industrial, agricultural, and educational zones. In addition, the Samriddhi Expressway will be extended up to Raipur. Several other crucial projects also received approval during the meeting.

 

These include upgradation work on National Highway No. 130A, raising work on National Highway No. 43, and strengthening work on National Highway No. 30, totalling Rs 115.95 crore. Among these, a 15-km road within Bilaspur city will ease urban traffic, while an 11-km stretch of the Katni-Gumla route will help connect rural areas. Furthermore, a 4-km section in Keshkal will be strengthened, bringing much-needed relief to residents in hilly regions. Sai remarked, “Roads are not just a means of travel; they are pathways to development, employment, and social transformation.” Under the ‘Anjor Vision 2047’, the Chhattisgarh government aims to ensure that every village and citizen has access to better and environmentally friendly transportation. Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh, and Secretary of Public Works Department Dr Kamalpreet Singh, were also present during the meeting.