Team News Riveting
New Delhi, September 30
In a significant move to enhance road connectivity in Chhattisgarh, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has approved Rs 11,000 crore for the state.
This funding will support the development of four major national highways, set to transform the state’s transport landscape and promote industrial growth.
Along with this, consent was given to prepare DPR of other projects. Gadkari made this announcement during a review meeting with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in New Delhi.
In the meeting held in New Delhi at Bharat Mandapam, the progress of the ongoing National Highway projects in Chhattisgarh was discussed. Union Ministers of State for Road Transport Ajay Tamta and Harsh Malhotra and Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao were also present.
During the meeting, Gadkari emphasized the need to address obstacles related to project delays, directing the Forest Department to expedite clearances and resolve any pending issues. He urged for the timely completion of all ongoing and proposed projects. The progress of National Highways was discussed in the meeting, along with this, approval was given to prepare Detailed Project Report (DPR) for four major highways.
The four main projects discussed in the meeting include Urga-Katghora bypass (NH-149B), Basna to Sarangarh (Manikpur) feeder route, Sarangarh to Raigarh feeder route, and Raipur-Lakhanadon economic corridor. The total length of these projects is 236.1 km. For which the union minister has approved a total of 9208 crores.
At the same time, eight works worth 908 crores have been approved under the Central Road Fund.
In the meeting, four-lane widening work of Keshkal Ghat and Dhamtari-Jagdalpur road was also approved.
Instructions were given to complete the Raipur-Visakhapatnam road and Bilaspur-Urga-Pathalgaon road under NHAI within the time limit. At the same time, the Pathalgaon to Kunkuri-Jharkhand Border road was directed to determine the agency within a month.
In the meeting, consent was given to construct a grade separator between Tatibandh and Telibandha in Raipur city and a grade separator on the road connecting Vidhansabha Road to Bilaspur Road (Dhaneli) and Raipur Expressway.
Apart from this, an additional amount of Rs 1200 crore has been approved for the development of roads.
Chief Minister’s Secretary Shri P Dayanand, Public Works Department Secretary Dr. Kamalpreet Singh, Forest Department Secretary Shri Amarnath Prasad and other officials of the Public Works Department, Revenue, Mining and Forest departments of the state were also present in the meeting.
Expressing gratitude, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai remarked, “This is a significant gift for the development of Chhattisgarh, which will provide new direction to our industrial and business activities.” He highlighted the expected improvements in rural connectivity and the positive impact on local communities.
Sai committed to regular reviews of project progress and pledged to monitor developments closely, ensuring that all initiatives are completed on schedule to enhance basic facilities for the citizens of Chhattisgarh.
Key Highlights of the Projects:
1. Approval of Rs 908 crore for eight projects: Eight projects have been approved under the Central Road Fund (CRF) scheme. These projects aim to enhance Chhattisgarh’s road infrastructure, improving connectivity and boosting trade in the state.
2. Widening of Keshal Ghat to four lanes: The four-lane widening of Keshal Ghat has been approved, with clearance expected within a month. This project will ease traffic flow and improve road safety in the region.
3. Widening of Dhamtari-Jagdalpur Road to four lanes: The widening of this crucial route has also been approved, significantly improving connectivity in southern Chhattisgarh and benefiting commuters.
4. Completion timeline for all ongoing and proposed projects: All projects have been directed to be completed within the stipulated timelines, ensuring rapid development of Chhattisgarh’s roads and highways.
5. Completion of Raipur-Visakhapatnam and Bilaspur-Urga-Pathalgaon highways under NHAI: Timely completion of these important national highways will improve connectivity within the state.
6. Pathalgaon to Kunkuri-Jharkhand Border Road: An agency will be selected within a month for the construction of this road, which will strengthen connectivity in the border area.
7. Construction of grade separators in Raipur city: Approval has been granted for the construction of grade separators between Tatibandh and Telibandha, at Sarona, Udyog Bhawan, and Telibandha, easing traffic congestion in the city.
8. Grade separators for Vidhan Sabha Road to Bilaspur Road (Dhaneli) and Raipur-Dhamtari Road: Approval for grade separators at these two locations has been given, reducing traffic pressure and improving convenience for travelers.
Major Projects:
– Urga-Korba Katghora Ring Road (42.1 km) – Rs 1,593 crore
– Basna to Sarangarh (33 km) – Rs 490 crore
– Sarangarh to Raigarh (56 km) – Rs 825 crore
– Raipur-Lakhnadon Economic Corridor (105 km) – Rs 6,300 crore
