Roads to waterworks, infra outlays widen

Infrastructure gets focus in Chhattisgarh's 2026–27 budget, with the government rolling out a broad push across roads, irrigation, drinking water systems, airports and power networks. At the core is a Rs 9,450 crore allocation for the Public Works Department, for continued and massive expansion of the road network.The budget introduces a Rs 200-crore Mukhyamantri Drutgami Sadak Sampark Yojana, aimed at building high-speed 2- and 4-lane corridors, alongside Rs 50 crore for bridges and roads in unconnected villages. The budget provided Rs 3,500 crore for the water resources department and nearly Rs 4,000 crore for public health engineering works, covering irrigation expansion and drinking water supply networks. Together with around Rs 3,000 crore for rural infrastructure and Rs 2,150 crore for urban development. Connectivity also extends to the skies. The budget earmarks Rs 80 crore for infra development at Bilaspur, Ambikapur and Jagdalpur airports. The power sector sees targeted upgrades with Rs 100 crore for 90 new 33/11 KV substations, alongside Rs 400 crore for the PM Surya Ghar free electricity scheme to expand rooftop solar adoption.