In pics: PM Modi launches Rs 33,700 crore projects in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone for several key development projects worth over ₹33,700 crore during an event at Mohbhattha village in Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh. Among the major projects was the foundation stone for NTPC's Sipat Super Thermal Power Project Stage-III (1x800MW), with an investment of over ₹9,790 crore. This ultra-supercritical pithead project aims to boost power generation efficiency with state-of-the-art technology, increasing the total installed capacity of Sipat STPS to 3,780 MW.

In another significant move, the PM inaugurated the First Super Critical Thermal Power Project (2x660MW) of the Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited (CSPGCL), worth ₹15,800 crore. The project will play a vital role in enhancing the state's energy capacity. Additionally, Modi dedicated three power transmission projects, valued at over ₹560 crore, under the Western Region Expansion Scheme (WRES) by Power Grid, further strengthening Chhattisgarh’s power infrastructure.

In the energy sector, Modi laid the foundation for the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd’s (BPCL) City Gas Distribution (CGD) project covering districts like Koriya, Surajpur, Balrampur, and Surguja. The project, with an investment of ₹1,285 crore, will involve the installation of over 200 km of high-pressure pipelines and more than 800 km of MDPE pipelines, along with CNG dispensing outlets.

Modi laid the foundation for seven new railway projects totaling 108 km and inaugurated three completed railway projects worth ₹2,690 crore, covering 111 km. He also dedicated the 100% electrification of the Indian Railways network in Chhattisgarh, marking a significant step toward sustainable and efficient transportation.

In terms of road infrastructure, the PM inaugurated the upgraded Jhalmala to Sherpar section of NH-930 (37 km) and the Ambikapur-Pathalgaon section of NH-43 (75 km), both converted into two-lane roads with paved shoulders. Additionally, he laid the foundation for the Kondagaon-Narayanpur section of NH-130D (47.5 km) to be developed as a two-lane road. These projects, valued at over ₹1,270 crore, aim to improve accessibility to tribal and industrial areas, fostering regional development.

In the education sector, the PM dedicated 130 PM SHRI Schools across 29 districts, aimed at providing advanced infrastructure, smart boards, modern laboratories, and libraries under the PM Schools for Rising India scheme. He also inaugurated the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) in Raipur, which will facilitate online monitoring and data analysis of various government education schemes, enhancing transparency and effectiveness.

He also initiated the Visakh-Raipur Pipeline (VRPL) project of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), spanning 540 km and costing ₹2,210 crore. This multi-product pipeline will transport petrol, diesel, and kerosene, enhancing fuel distribution efficiency in the region.