Raigarh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated several rail sector projects worth approximately Rs 6,350 crore in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh on a Thursday. Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for 50-bed ‘critical care blocks’ in nine districts of Chattisgarh and distributed 1 lakh sickle cell counseling cards to the screened population.
The railway projects encompass the Chhattisgarh East Rail Project Phase-I, the third rail line between Champa to Jamga, the third rail line between Pendra Road to Anuppur, and the MGR (Merry-Go-Round) system connecting Talaipalli Coal Mine to NTPC Lara Super Thermal Power Station (STPS).
In his address to the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that Chhattisgarh is taking a significant stride in its development journey with railway projects worth over Rs 6,400 crores being unveiled in the state. He underscored the initiation of various new projects aimed at expanding energy production capacity and enhancing the healthcare sector in the state. He also highlighted the distribution of Sickle Cell Counseling Cards on this occasion.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the world is not only witnessing but also commending the rapid pace of modern development and India’s model of social welfare. He recalled hosting world leaders during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, where they were deeply impressed by India’s development and social welfare model. He mentioned that global organizations are considering lessons from India’s successes, attributing this to the government’s equal commitment to developing every state and region in the country. Modi noted that Chhattisgarh and Raigarh are prime examples of this commitment.
“Chhattisgarh is a powerhouse of development for the country,” the Prime Minister observed, emphasizing that a country can progress only if its powerhouses are functioning at full capacity. Over the past nine years, he noted, the Central Government has consistently worked towards the multifaceted development of Chhattisgarh, and the results of this vision and these policies are evident today.
He mentioned that substantial schemes are being implemented in Chhattisgarh across various sectors by the Central Government, with the laying of foundation stones for new projects. The Prime Minister also recalled his visit to Raipur in July to inaugurate the Visakhapatnam to Raipur Economic Corridor and Raipur to Dhanbad Economic Corridor development projects, as well as the significant national highways for the state.
The Prime Minister declared that a new chapter is being written in Chhattisgarh’s railway network development, which will alleviate congestion in the Jharsuguda Bilaspur section of the Bilaspur-Mumbai rail line. He stressed that the new railway lines and corridors will boost industrial development in Chhattisgarh, creating employment and income opportunities once completed.
Modi highlighted that the transportation of coal from coalfields to power plants will become more efficient, leading to lower costs and time savings. He mentioned the construction of a Pit Head Thermal Power Plant to generate maximum electricity at a lower cost. He also noted the inauguration of the 65 km Merry-Go-Round project connecting the Talaipalli Mine and predicted an increase in such projects nationwide, benefiting states like Chhattisgarh.
Discussing the goal of transforming India into a developed country within the next 25 years, known as Amrit Kaal, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of every citizen’s equal participation in development. He emphasized meeting the country’s energy needs while protecting the environment, citing the closed coal mine in Surajpur district developed as part of Eco-Tourism. Similar efforts are underway to establish an eco-park in Korwa. The Prime Minister also mentioned irrigation and drinking water facilities provided to thousands of people using water released from mines, benefiting the tribal population in the region.
Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving forests and land while creating new avenues of prosperity through forest wealth, mentioning the Vandhan Vikas Yojana that benefits numerous tribal youth. He also highlighted the global celebration of Millet Year and the growing potential of the millets market.
Regarding the impact of sickle cell anemia on the tribal population, the Prime Minister emphasized that distributing sickle cell counseling cards is a significant step in controlling the disease within tribal communities. In conclusion, he stressed the need to move forward with the resolve of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (Together with All, Development for All) and expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh would achieve new heights of development.
Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Renuka Singh Saruta, and Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, T S Singhdeo, were among those present on the occasion.