Chhattisgarh Launches 774 Rural Road Projects

The Chhattisgarh chief minister laid the foundation for 774 rural road projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, initiating a proposed network that will span 2,400 km and is planned to connect 781 habitations. The state government said the programme carries an estimated investment of Rs 22 billion (Rs 22 bn). Officials indicated that the works aim to provide reliable all-weather access to remote habitations and to improve mobility across rural areas. The projects form part of a broader push to integrate isolated communities with markets and services.

The chief minister noted that the PMGSY, launched during the tenure of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, has evolved into a lifeline for rural India and remains central to connectivity policy. He stated that rural connectivity in the state has expanded rapidly over the past decade through central initiatives and complementary state schemes. Authorities suggested the new projects will enhance access to education and healthcare while supporting agricultural and non-agricultural rural economic activity. The design emphasises durable construction and year-round passability.

Officials also highlighted ongoing highway work, including corridors under the Bharatmala Project, which are expected to strengthen regional linkages and economic prospects. Beyond road building, the state government has moved to bolster rural institutions by launching hundreds of Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative Societies aimed at improving farmers' access to credit, seeds and fertilisers. The societies are intended to streamline procurement and provide financial support to primary producers. Administrators said these measures are complementary to the connectivity drive.

Construction work on the newly announced roads will begin soon, officials added, and a broader pipeline of projects is already in progress to reach remote and tribal regions. The state expects the combined impact of infrastructure and institutional measures to reduce travel times, raise market access and support service delivery in rural interiors. Monitoring and phased implementation are planned to expedite benefits while addressing terrain and climatic challenges. Officials indicated that progress milestones will be shared as work advances.

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