In a momentous event in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stones and inaugurated various development projects worth approximately 27,000 crores during a ceremony marking the commencement of infrastructure and railway projects. The Prime Minister emphasized the pivotal role Chhattisgarh is set to play in reshaping India’s future, stating that the dream of a developed India can only be realized when every state, every district, and every village progresses together. To empower this vision, a staggering sum of 27,000 crores has been allocated to launch and inaugurate numerous development initiatives in the region. In his address, he congratulated the people of Chhattisgarh for this remarkable step towards progress.
Prime Minister Modi underscored the need for holistic development in India, highlighting the importance of physical and digital infrastructure tailored to the country’s requirements. To this end, the government has substantially increased infrastructure spending, allocating 10 lakh crores this year alone, a sixfold increase from previous years. This significant investment is facilitating the construction of railways, roads, airports, affordable housing for the underprivileged, schools, colleges, and hospitals, all of which heavily depend on steel production.
Chhattisgarh, being a major player in the steel industry, is reaping substantial benefits from these initiatives. Today, in Nagarnar, one of India’s most modern steel plants was inaugurated, signifying a significant milestone. The steel produced here will not only support India’s engineering and rapidly growing defense manufacturing sector but also contribute to exports, enhancing India’s position in the global market. The Nagarnar plant alone is expected to generate employment opportunities for nearly 50,000 young individuals from Chhattisgarh and its neighboring regions.
Prime Minister Modi acknowledged Chhattisgarh’s ambition and commitment to development, affirming that the steel plant in Nagarnar would add momentum to the government’s mission of empowering aspirational districts like Bastar. He congratulated the youth of Chhattisgarh for their contribution to this endeavor. Over the past nine years, the central government has been focusing on improving connectivity, with Chhattisgarh also benefitting from economic corridors and modern highways. Railway budgets for Chhattisgarh have increased by nearly twentyfold since 2014.
Despite decades of independence, the tribal areas of Chhattisgarh remained absent from India’s railway map until now. The inauguration of new train services in Tadoki is a testament to the government’s commitment to bridging this gap. This development will not only provide convenience to tribal communities but also ease the transportation of agricultural produce and forest products. The doubling of the Jagdalpur-Dantewada railway line will further enhance connectivity and reduce transportation costs for industries. These railway projects are expected to create new employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his satisfaction that 100% electrification of railway tracks in Chhattisgarh had been achieved. This accomplishment is poised to increase the speed of trains while contributing to cleaner air in the state. With the complete electrification of the railway network, Chhattisgarh will also see the operation of the Vande Bharat Express in the near future. Under the ‘Amrit Bharat’ plan, the government has initiated the transformation of railway stations across the state, including Bilaspur, Raipur, Durg, and now Jagdalpur. Jagdalpur station is expected to evolve into a major hub, providing enhanced facilities for passengers. Moreover, over the past nine years, free Wi-Fi services have been introduced at railway stations across Chhattisgarh, enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.
The Prime Minister reassured the people of Chhattisgarh that the Indian government is committed to making their lives easier and more prosperous. The projects inaugurated today will undoubtedly accelerate progress in Chhattisgarh, opening up new job opportunities and fostering the growth of emerging industries. Prime Minister Modi concluded by expressing his belief that Chhattisgarh will continue to lead India towards a brighter future. Chhattisgarh’s role in changing India’s destiny cannot be overstated.
Chhattisgarh, with its burgeoning steel industry and a slew of infrastructure projects, is poised to play a pivotal role in India’s development trajectory. Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit and inauguration of key projects signal a promising future for the state and its residents, ushering in growth, connectivity, and prosperity.