New Delhi, Nov 1 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday marked the 25th anniversary of Chhattisgarh during the Rajat Mahotsav in Nava Raipur. He laid the groundwork for a series of transformative initiatives totaling over Rs 14,260 crore, which encompass vital sectors such as roads, energy, industry, healthcare, and rural livelihoods.

During his visit to this tribal-dominated state, PM Modi emphasized dignity and entrepreneurship. He inaugurated 12 new blocks under the Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) across nine districts to uplift rural micro-entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, he participated in the “Griha Pravesh” ceremony for 3.51 lakh homes completed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) and allocated Rs 1,200 crore in instalments to three lakh beneficiaries, ensuring secure and pucca housing for the rural poor.

The foundation stone was laid for a significant Rs 3,150 crore four-lane Greenfield Highway from Pathalgaon-Kunkuri to the Chhattisgarh-Jharkhand border under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. This corridor will enhance connectivity among coal mines, steel plants, and industrial hubs located in Korba, Raigarh, Jashpur, Ranchi, and Jamshedpur, establishing a crucial economic link between Central and Eastern India.

PM Modi also initiated upgrades for NH-130D across Bastar and Narayanpur, and inaugurated the two-lane enhancement of NH-130C to the Odisha border, significantly improving access to healthcare, education, and markets for the remote tribal regions.

In the power sector, the Prime Minister inaugurated the ER–WR Interconnection Project, which adds 1,600 MW inter-regional transfer capacity, enhancing grid stability.

He dedicated energy initiatives valued at over Rs 3,750 crore, including Rs 1,860 crore for RDSS works—new lines, feeder separations, transformers, and low-tension upgrades—to optimize rural and agricultural energy supply.

Additionally, nine new substations worth Rs 480 crore across Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Bemetara, Gariyaband, and Bastar will provide reliable power to over 15 lakh residents, even in tribal areas.

Foundation stones were also laid for further substations and transmission projects worth Rs 1,415 crore in Kanker and Balodabazar-Bhatapara.

Energy security progressed with the dedication of the 489 km Nagpur-Jharsuguda Natural Gas Pipeline (valued at Rs 1,950 crore), linking 11 districts to the National Gas Grid and advancing the vision of “One Nation, One Gas Grid,” while increasing natural gas’s share to 15 percent of India’s energy mix.

PM Modi also inaugurated HPCL’s Rs 460 crore Raipur Petroleum Depot, which has a capacity of 54,000 KL, including 10,000 KL for ethanol, ensuring fuel stability and promoting cleaner energy goals.

Industrial development was emphasized with the laying of foundation stones for two Smart Industrial Areas at Siladehi-Gatwa-Birra (Janjgir-Champa) and Bijletala (Rajnandgaon), along with a Pharmaceutical Park in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar dedicated to drug and healthcare manufacturing.

PM Modi also laid the foundations for five new Government Medical Colleges in Manendragarh, Kabirdham, Janjgir-Champa, and Geedam (Dantewada), as well as a Government Ayurveda College and Hospital in Bilaspur, enhancing medical education and access.

Through each initiative, PM Modi highlighted Chhattisgarh’s transition from aspiration to achievement, driving the state and India toward Viksit Bharat.