Team Blitz India
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, On October 3, 2023, inaugurated and dedicated a slew of developmental initiatives in Chhattisgarh, totalling an investment of Rs 27,000 crore. The projects include the NMDC Steel’s integrated steel plant at Nagarnar in Bastar district, which boasts an impressive valuation of over Rs 23,800 crore and a production capacity of three million tonnes annually. In addition to this, PM Modi also inaugurated several road and railway infrastructure projects in the state.
Further enhancing the state’s connectivity, the Prime Minister launched the Taroki-Raipur DEMU train service, linking Taroki to the broader Indian rail network. Additionally, efforts to enhance the infrastructure at Jagdalpur railway station were initiated. This upgrade is part of the larger Amrit Bharat Station initiative, a nationwide drive aiming to refurbish over 1,300 railway stations.
Speaking on the occasion, Modi emphasized the importance of holistic development, asserting that the dream of a progressive nation can only be realized when every state, district, and village progresses in unison.
The Prime Minister highlighted the central government’s commitment to infrastructure growth, and said the Union Budget for the fiscal year ending March 2024 earmarked a significant Rs 10 lakh crore as capital expenditure, a 33.3% hike from the previous year and representing 3.3% of India’s GDP.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Chhattisgarh’s pivotal role in steel production, underscoring the importance of the Nagarnarsteel plant. He said that the steel plant will provide employment opportunities to approximately 50,000 youth from Bastar and nearby regions. Sprawling across 1,980 acres, the facility is adept at producing premium-grade steel. An official statement celebrated the plant’s potential to position Bastar prominently on the global steel map, and significantly drive the region’s socioeconomic progress.
Referring to the Central government’s focus on connectivity, the Prime Minister mentioned the economic corridor and modern highways in Chhattisgarh. He also informed that as compared to 2014, the railways budget of Chhattisgarh has been increased by about 20 times.
The Prime Minister expressed happiness that Chhattisgarh has completed the work of 100% electrification of railway tracks. “In the coming days, Jagdalpur station will become the main center of the city and passenger facilities here will be upgraded. In the last nine years, free Wi-Fi facility has been provided at more than 120 stations in the state,” he added.
Governor of Chhattisgarh, BiswabhusanHarichandan, and Member of Parliament, Mohan Mandavi were present on the occasion, among others.
