Team News Riveting
Raipur, January 1
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai laid the foundation stone for the Bhoramdeo Corridor Development Project at a programme held at Bhoramdeo Dham in Kabirdham district on Thursday.
Extending his New Year greetings, he said that the commencement of the year 2026 with such a historic initiative is a matter of pride and good fortune for Chhattisgarh.
The Chief Minister stated that the Bhoramdeo Corridor will provide a renewed identity to the state’s ancient heritage. He noted that the site represents a unique confluence of devotion to Lord Shiva, natural beauty, and rich cultural legacy. The project will be developed at an estimated cost of about Rs. 146 crore under the Central Government’s Swadesh Darshan Yojana 2.0, on the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this initiative is an important step towards giving Bhoramdeo national recognition. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for his support.
Describing the Bhoramdeo Temple as the “Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh”, the Chief Minister said it symbolises nearly a thousand years of spiritual practice, architectural excellence, and cultural consciousness. He said that Shaivite philosophy, folk beliefs, and tribal traditions are beautifully interwoven here. The Kanwar Yatra during the month of Shravan and the celebrations of Mahashivratri attract thousands of devotees to the site each year.
He further said that the Bhoramdeo Temple, Madwa Mahal, and Chherki Mahal are not only religiously significant but also hold immense historical and cultural value. He added that by granting industry status to tourism, the state government is strengthening the sector through a new tourism policy and homestay policy, thereby expanding employment and investment opportunities.
The Chief Minister said that the expansion of road networks, rail connectivity, and air services will strengthen tourism and the local economy. He noted that investment proposals worth Rs. 7.83 lakh crore have been received over the past two years, which will give fresh direction to tourism and other sectors.
Addressing the gathering after the foundation-laying ceremony at the Bhoramdeo festival venue, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated that the day is historic not only for Kabirdham district but for the entire state. Extending New Year greetings, he stated that over the past two years, the Chhattisgarh Government has effectively translated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision into action towards building a developed Chhattisgarh. He said Naxalism had been the biggest obstacle to development, and decisive steps taken by the state government have put Chhattisgarh firmly on the path towards its elimination, strengthening nationwide confidence that forces seeking to weaken India will not be tolerated. He added that strong decisions against terrorism under Prime Minister Shri Modi’s leadership have reinforced the country’s security framework.
The Union Minister said the impact of good governance is clearly visible across the country, with India steadily progressing towards becoming a developed nation. Infrastructure development and welfare schemes such as housing, clean cooking fuel, water, electricity, banking access, and employment are reaching households nationwide. He said the nearly thousand-year-old Bhoramdeo Temple is a precious heritage site, and the corridor project will ensure its preservation for future generations while giving Kabirdham a distinct identity. Calling this a year of transformation, he urged citizens to actively participate in the Prime Minister’s resolve to make India a strong and developed nation.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said that due to the sustained efforts of the Chief Minister, the Bhoramdeo Corridor was included under the Swadesh Darshan Yojana and the foundation stone has now been laid. He added that along with Bhoramdeo, the government is also working on the development of other major centres of faith in the region.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu, Member of Parliament Santosh Pandey, Pandariya MLA Smt Bhawana Bohra, Tourism Board Chairman Neelu Sharma, Gaushala Seva Commission Chairman Visheshar Patel, State Farmers Welfare Council Chairman Suresh Chandravanshi, along with other public representatives and distinguished citizens, were present at the programme.
