How is the Chhattisgarh government planning to invest Rs 52,000 crore in Bastar's development?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Investment of Rs 52,000 crore for Bastar's development.
- Railway projects including Raoghat - Jagdalpur line.
- Road development initiatives worth Rs 2,300 crore.
- Establishment of a 350-bed multi-speciality hospital.
- Creation of modern rice mills and food processing units.
Raipur, Sep 11 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led Chhattisgarh government on Thursday announced a comprehensive roadmap for the development of the Bastar region, with planned investments and developmental initiatives amounting to Rs. 52,000 crore.
The outlined projects encompass railway developments worth Rs. 5,200 crore, including the new Raoghat - Jagdalpur rail line, which is set at Rs 3,513.11 crore, as well as the doubling of the Kottavalasa - Kirandul rail line.
According to an official statement, these initiatives are expected to significantly enhance travel, tourism, and commerce in the region, while also generating extensive employment and industrial prospects for the local youth.
Furthermore, road development endeavors have been allocated Rs 2,300 crore for Bastar, with several new road connections emerging between Jagdalpur and Sukma, extending towards Bijapur, as noted by the government.
The government further disclosed that the state and central authorities are collaboratively constructing an alternate route from Dhamtari-Kanker-Kondagaon to Jagdalpur, which will traverse through Kanker, Antagarh, Narayanpur’s Abujhmad, Dantewada’s Barsur, and continue to connect to Bijapur.
Upon completion of these projects, all seven districts within the Bastar region will be interconnected through various routes, facilitating comprehensive development in the area.
Moreover, the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) has committed to an investment of Rs 43,000 crore. Additionally, a Super Speciality Hospital is being established with a budget of Rs 200 crore.
To enhance healthcare services in Bastar, the government has also proposed the establishment of its first 350-bed multi-speciality private hospital and medical college in Jagdalpur.
As part of this initiative, an investment invitation has been extended to Raipur Stone Clinic Pvt. Ltd. This Rs 550 crore project is expected to improve health services and create 200 job opportunities.
The government has also revealed plans for the establishment of modern rice mills and food processing units across Bijapur, Narayanpur, Bastar, and Kondagaon. These facilities will provide better returns for farmers and generate numerous job opportunities for local youth.