Chhattisgarh Launches 774 Rural Road Projects

23 Apr 2026 CW Team

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.

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.

Infrastructure Urban

23 Apr 2026

Centre Examines Duty Relief Under MOOWR For Battery Storage Imports

The finance ministry is examining whether to continue customs warehousing benefits under the Manufacture and Other Operations in Warehouse Regulations, 2019 framework for imported battery energy storage systems. It plans consultations with the ministries of power and new and renewable energy to decide on the future scope of duty and GST deferment for such imports. The review follows concerns from the renewable energy sector that the current approach is creating an uneven playing field. Under the regulations, companies may import goods without paying customs duty or goods and services tax upfro..

Infrastructure Urban

23 Apr 2026

Jamshedpur MP Seeks Rs 4,820 Million Plan For Tatanagar Platforms

Member of Parliament Bidyut Baran Mahato held a meeting with Vikas Jain, Executive Director (Public Grievances) of the Railway Board, following a special session of Parliament to press for accelerated rail infrastructure work around Jamshedpur and Tatanagar. The discussions addressed a range of projects that the ministry is prioritising for the area. Final Location Surveys for the construction of the fourth and fifth railway lines between Pandrasali and Kandra and for the development of a satellite station near Tatanagar have already been approved, clearing the way for detailed planning. Mahat..

Infrastructure Energy

23 Apr 2026

Final Batch Of Two 3,300 HP Locomotives Reach Mozambique

The final batch of two 3,300 horsepower (hp) locomotives manufactured by Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) has reached Mozambique, marking completion of an export consignment. The locomotives arrived at Maputo harbour and were cleared for onward movement to the national rail operator. The shipment closes a programme that began with earlier consignments delivered over the past months. Banaras Locomotive Works, a production unit of Indian Railways, built the locomotives under a contract with the Mozambican rail authority and managed the final inspections and commissioning preparations prior to disp..