State kicks off 429 crore major urban overhaul across 13 cities

Raipur: Chhattisgarh is set to launch 26 major infrastructure projects worth Rs 429.45 crore across 13 municipal corporations under the newly launched Chief Minister Nagarotthan Yojana with Raipur leading the list and a sanction of Rs 91.27 crore for four major projects. At least 18 road junctions will be expanded, strengthening of the water-supply network, Mahadev Ghat redevelopment and the construction of a technical tower at Telibandha lake.Officials said the first phase marks the beginning of a long-term overhaul that will "change the look and character of Chhattisgarh's cities", with work orders already issued for five projects and foundation ceremonies completed for five more.According to a govt statement, launched earlier this year with a dedicated Rs 500-crore budget, the scheme aims to reshape city infrastructure through high-impact, "iconic" works such as Telibandha lake expansions, Oxy Zone–cum–sports complexes, inter-state bus terminals, hi-tech bus stands, bypasses, road widening, urban corridors, riverfront development and large public gardens. The initiative is currently being implemented in all 14 municipal corporations, with plans to expand to smaller bodies in phases.To ensure timely execution and quality, each district will have a monitoring committee headed by the Collector. Commissioners of the respective municipal corporations will serve as member-secretaries, with executive engineers from PWD and PHED as members. These committees will conduct routine reviews of progress and ensure adherence to deadlines. CM Vishnu Deo Sai called the Nagarotthan Yojana one of the state's most ambitious urban interventions, saying it will drive "a major shift in the quality of life and city infrastructure." The plan, he said, has been crafted keeping in mind sustainable development and citizen-centric solutions. "This will make our cities modern, beautiful and vibrant. It will not only change their appearance but also their character," CM Sai said. Flyovers, bypass roads, service lanes, underpasses, water supply strengthening, waste management, riverfront development and major public parks are all part of the plan," Sao said.