Raipur, April 07, 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at New Delhi and discussed in details about the development of Bastar region while presenting a new vision for the future of Bastar.
The Chief Minister also extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Bastar after the monsoon season, where the foundation stones for several major projects are proposed to be laid, and various completed projects are scheduled for inauguration in his presence.
During this meeting, the Chief Minister not only expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for the peace that has returned to the state following the end of Naxalism but also submitted a detailed and visionary blueprint for the holistic development of Bastar.
Sai stated that Naxalism has been eradicated across the entire state, including Bastar, and peace has now been firmly established.
As part of reforms in education and healthcare, a new ‘Education City,’ a super-specialty hospital, and medical colleges are being constructed, he said.
Meanwhile, connectivity is being bolstered through the construction of a barrage on the Indravati River, new railway lines, and the expansion of the airport are also being undertaken.
The Chief Minister remarked that, through this blueprint, a new era of development, employment opportunities, and improved amenities is set to begin in Bastar.
In his development document, he noted that the dream of peace and development for Bastar—envisioned by the Prime Minister a decade ago—is now becoming a reality on the ground. With the elimination of Naxalism, the people are no longer gripped by fear; instead, they are filled with hope and a renewed sense of optimism regarding development.
He added that, under the Prime Minister’s guidance, Bastar will gain a new direction and momentum, thereby fostering increased confidence and enthusiasm within the region.
The development blueprint presented by the Chief Minister is anchored in the strategy of ‘Saturation, Connect, Facilitate, Empower, and Engage.’ Under this framework, the primary objective is to rapidly expand basic infrastructure and amenities across Bastar. Remote villages are to be connected through an extensive network of roads. In addition to completing the pending works under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (Prime Minister’s Rural Roads Scheme) by 2027, the construction of 228 new roads and 267 bridges has been proposed. Furthermore, a request for special central assistance has also been submitted to support 61 new development projects.
Major transformative initiatives are also planned for the energy and infrastructure sectors. Efforts to ensure electricity supply to every household are set to be significantly accelerated. In the education sector, 45 Pota Cabin schools are set to be converted into permanent buildings. For the youth, 15 stadiums and 2 multi-purpose halls will be constructed; meanwhile, to bolster healthcare services, Primary Health Centers are being expanded, and transit hostels for doctors are being built.
In the fields of agriculture and irrigation, two major projects have been sanctioned on the Indravati River at Deurgaon and Matnar, which will provide irrigation facilities to 31,840 hectares of land. These projects are poised to play a pivotal role in strengthening Bastar’s agrarian economy.
To enhance livelihoods and boost income, the government has formulated a three-year plan aimed at increasing the monthly income of 85 per cent of families from Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000 by 2029.
Under the ‘Niyad Nella Nar 2.0’ scheme, additional districts are now being included, ensuring that the benefits of development reach a wider population. Originally launched in 10 districts, this scheme is now being expanded to cover 7 existing districts as well as 3 new districts (Gariaband, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki, and Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai).
A Startup Policy has also been implemented under the ‘Anjor Vision 2047’ and ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ initiatives, setting a target to foster 5,000 startups by 2030.
In the tourism sector, rapid progress is being made toward establishing Bastar’s identity on a global stage. Projects such as the Chitrakote and Tirathgarh Waterfalls, Kanger Valley National Park, adventure tourism initiatives, canopy walks, and glass bridges are currently being developed.
Events such as the ‘Bastar Olympics’ and ‘Bastar Pandum’ are giving the region a distinct new identity. Simultaneously, over 100,000 youths have received skill training, 40,000 of whom have already secured employment. The ‘Bastar Munne’ (Pioneering Bastar) programme stands as a pivotal initiative within the action plan for the development of a Naxalism-free Bastar—a plan presented today by Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai to the Prime Minister.
Under this programme, camps will be organized in every Gram Panchayat, where, in the presence of officials, citizens will directly receive the benefits of government schemes; essential documents will be issued on the spot, and their grievances will be resolved immediately. The objective is to ensure that government schemes easily reach every individual and that Bastar advances rapidly on the path of development.
Among the major projects slated for the laying of foundation stones and inaugurations during the Prime Minister’s proposed visit are significant initiatives such as the Raoghat-Jagdalpur railway line, the expansion of Jagdalpur Airport, a Super Specialty Hospital, a Medical College in Dantewada, and Education Cities in Jagargunda and Orchha. These projects are set to propel Bastar to new heights in the fields of education, healthcare, and connectivity.
