In a significant push to transform its urban landscape, the Chhattisgarh government has greenlit 26 major infrastructure projects with a total investment of ₹429.45 crore. These initiatives, spanning 13 municipal corporations, mark the vigorous implementation of the newly launched Chief Minister Nagarotthan Yojana.
Raipur Leads Ambitious Urban Overhaul
The state capital, Raipur, is at the forefront of this transformation, securing a substantial sanction of ₹91.27 crore for four key projects. The approved works include the expansion of at least 18 crucial road junctions, strengthening of the water-supply network, redevelopment of the Mahadev Ghat, and the construction of a technical tower at the iconic Telibandha lake. State officials have indicated that this first phase is just the beginning of a long-term overhaul designed to fundamentally alter the look and character of Chhattisgarh’s cities.
Work orders for five projects have already been issued, and foundation stone ceremonies for five more have been completed, signaling a swift move from planning to execution.
A State-Wide Vision for Modern Cities
Launched earlier this year with a dedicated budget of ₹500 crore, the CM Nagarotthan Yojana aims to reshape urban infrastructure through high-impact and iconic works. The scheme's portfolio is diverse, encompassing lake expansions, Oxy Zone–cum–sports complexes, inter-state bus terminals, hi-tech bus stands, bypass roads, urban corridors, riverfront development, and large public gardens.
Currently being rolled out across all 14 municipal corporations in the state, the plan includes phased expansion to smaller urban bodies. To ensure timely and quality execution, a robust monitoring mechanism has been established. Each district will have a committee headed by the Collector, with the respective municipal commissioner serving as member-secretary. Executive engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD) and Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) will be members, tasked with conducting routine progress reviews.
Leadership Emphasizes Sustainable, Citizen-Centric Growth
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has hailed the Nagarotthan Yojana as one of the state's most ambitious urban interventions, predicting it will drive a major shift in the quality of life and city infrastructure. He emphasized that the plan is crafted with sustainable development and citizen-centric solutions at its core. "This will make our cities modern, beautiful and vibrant. It will not only change their appearance but also their character," CM Sai stated.
Echoing this vision, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, who holds the portfolio for Urban Administration and Development, said the focus is on building "liveable, future-ready cities." This will be achieved by strengthening road networks, easing traffic congestion, expanding mobility choices, and undertaking a comprehensive upgrade of civic infrastructure. "We are preparing cities for a growing population. Flyovers, bypass roads, service lanes, underpasses, water supply strengthening, waste management, riverfront development and major public parks are all part of the plan," Sao explained.
City-Wise Breakdown of Major Projects
The scale of the planned transformation is evident in the city-wise approvals:
Raigarh has been approved ₹64.66 crore for expanding its 'Marine Drive' stretch, developing an Oxyzone-cum-sports complex, and upgrading the interstate bus terminal at New Sarangarh.
Bilaspur receives ₹57.92 crore for nine diverse projects, including widening of the Ashok Nagar–Birkoni road, construction of Atal Path, redevelopment of key road links, beautification of Rakhbanda pond in Uslapur, and extensive cement concrete (CC) road and drainage works.
Korba is set for a major mobility upgrade with ₹36.55 crore sanctioned to develop Gaurav Path from CSEB Chowk to Jain Chowk and onwards to ITI Chowk and Kosabadi Chowk.
Other significant allocations include:
- Dhamtari: ₹24.64 crore for a hi-tech bus stand and a new auditorium.
- Jagdalpur: ₹10.06 crore for road widening and ₹9.89 crore for beautification of Dalpat Sagar lake.
- Birgaon: ₹24.75 crore for Urla nala construction and a key arterial road from Shani Mandir to Kanhaira Mor.
- Ambikapur: ₹13.99 crore, including ₹11.6 crore for the Maa Mahamaya Corridor heritage project.
- Chirmiri: ₹14.84 crore for a bypass, beautification of Korea Colliery area, and road widening.
- Durg: Nearly ₹9.84 crore for four-laning and connectivity works.
- Bhilai-Charoda & Risali: Approvals for canal road construction and multiple road-widening projects worth crores.
This massive infusion of funds and focused project execution under the CM Nagarotthan Yojana underscores the state government's commitment to fostering sustainable urban development and enhancing the livability of its cities for years to come.
