Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects worth Rs 33,700 crore in Chhattisgarh on Sunday. The event, held in Mohbhattha village in Bilaspur district, marked a significant step towards enhancing infrastructure, power supply, and housing in the state. These initiatives aim to boost connectivity, economic growth, and overall development in the region.
One of the key highlights of the event was the flagging off of the Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train service on the Abhanpur-Raipur route via Mandir Hasaud. This new service is expected to improve rail connectivity and facilitate smoother transportation for passengers. Additionally, PM Modi dedicated the completion of the electrification of the Indian Railways network in Chhattisgarh, further strengthening the state’s railway infrastructure.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the government’s commitment to affordable housing by handing over replica keys to three beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). This initiative reinforces the Centre’s focus on providing housing for all, particularly in rural areas.
Among the major projects launched was the foundation stone laying of the NTPC Sipat Super Thermal Power Project Stage-III in Bilaspur, worth Rs 9,790 crore. The new 800MW ultra-supercritical unit, being developed as a pit-head project, is expected to significantly enhance power generation efficiency. Additionally, PM Modi dedicated three power transmission projects under the Western Region Expansion Scheme (WRES) by POWERGRID, collectively valued at over Rs 560 crore.
The Prime Minister also initiated key developments in the oil and gas sector. He laid the foundation stone for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited’s (BPCL) City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Korea Surajpur, Balrampur, and Surguja districts. Furthermore, he launched the Visakhapatnam-Raipur Pipeline (VRPL) project by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). This 540-km pipeline, costing over Rs 2,210 crore, aims to enhance fuel transportation and distribution efficiency.
In the road infrastructure sector, PM Modi announced the upgradation of the Kondagaon-Narayanpur section of National Highway-130D. The 47.5-km stretch will be expanded into a two-lane highway with paved shoulders, improving road connectivity and easing transportation challenges in the region.
The education sector also witnessed significant developments, with the dedication of 130 PM SHRI schools across 29 districts in Chhattisgarh. These institutions aim to enhance educational opportunities and quality learning environments for students. Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) in Raipur, a central hub for monitoring and evaluating the performance of schools and students across the state.
During the event, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai honored PM Modi with a traditional shawl and an idol of Maa Bilasa, crafted from bell metal. Maa Bilasa, after whom Bilaspur city is named, holds cultural significance in the state
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Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited Nagpur, where he paid tribute to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar at Smruti Mandir, the RSS headquarters. His visit coincided with Varsha Pratipada, the birth anniversary of Hedgewar. Accompanied by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, he also held a roadshow in the city. Additionally, PM Modi inaugurated the Loitering Munition Test Range at the Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited facility in Nagpur. This new facility is expected to bolster India’s capabilities in advanced military technology.