The Union government has approved Rs 110 billion to enhance road connectivity in Chhattisgarh, according to a statement from the state government. The approval came from Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, during a review meeting with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in New Delhi. The funding will be used to develop four major national highways, which are expected to transform the state’s transport infrastructure and boost industrial growth. In addition, Gadkari has greenlit the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for other potential projects in the state. The four major projects discussed include the Urga-Katghora bypass (NH-149B), the Basna to Sarangarh (Manikpur) feeder route, the Sarangarh to Raigarh feeder route, and the Raipur-Lakhanadon economic corridor, spanning a total length of 236.1 km. A sum of Rs 92.08 billion has been allocated for these projects. Furthermore, eight projects worth Rs 9.08 billion were sanctioned under the Central Road Fund. An additional Rs 12 billion was approved for the development of various other road networks, including the four-lane widening of Keshkal Ghat in Kondagaon district and the Dhamtari-Jagdalpur road. During the meeting, Gadkari urged the state’s Forest Department to expedite clearances and resolve pending issues, stressing the importance of completing all ongoing and proposed projects on schedule. He also emphasised the need to accelerate work on the Raipur-Visakhapatnam road and the Bilaspur-Urga-Pathalgaon road under the NHAI. Chief Minister Sai noted that the initiative would significantly enhance Chhattisgarh’s industrial and business activities, providing a fresh impetus to economic growth in the region. (ET)