Chhattisgarh gives formal push to SCR, eyes NCR-style urban growth

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh’s state capital region (SCR) plan has received formal momentum, with the state moving to develop Raipur, Durg-Bhilai and Nava Raipur Atal Nagar as an integrated urban-economic zone on the lines of major metropolitan regions.The ambitious project, backed by a bill passed in the assembly, aims to give planned direction to rapid urbanisation around the capital and turn the region into a major economic, industrial and infrastructure hub of central India.The SCR will be developed on the model of the national capital region, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority and Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority, with focus on integrated planning for housing, transport, infrastructure, investment and civic services.The plan has been prepared on the initiative of chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai and under the guidance of finance minister O P Choudhary. Officials said the focus will be on better housing, education, healthcare, industry, trade and environment-friendly development.The govt estimates that the SCR’s population may cross 50 lakh by 2031. Keeping this in mind, long-term plans are being drawn up for modern transport, wider roads, improved connectivity, water supply, power, sanitation and smart urban facilities.A budgetary provision has also been made for a survey of the proposed Raipur-Durg metro rail project, aimed at ensuring faster and safer movement across the region.For coordinated implementation, the Chhattisgarh Capital Region Development Authority has been constituted as the central regulatory and planning body. The chief minister will head the authority, which will include ministers from key departments, the chief secretary and senior officials. An executive committee will monitor implementation.The project has been given legal backing under the Chhattisgarh Capital Region Development Authority Act, 2025, which defines the authority’s structure, powers, functions and financial rights.The govt has also provided for a capital region development fund and a revolving fund. The authority will have powers to levy special cess, raise resources for projects and prepare its annual budget.The first meeting of the authority was held in the assembly on March 11, 2026, where discussions were held on regional mobility, logistics, techno-economic feasibility study for metro operations, surveys, appointment of expert consultants, audit services and planning support.Officials said Rs 27 crore has been provided for initial activities of the authority. The state will also prepare a capital region development and investment plan, including identification of investment zones, surveys, research studies and phased project implementation.The govt says the SCR will boost investment, industry and employment, while bringing planned urban growth to the capital belt. With Raipur and its surrounding areas expanding rapidly into a large urban cluster, the SCR is being projected as Chhattisgarh’s next major growth engine.