From Red to Development: Modi Declares a ‘New Era of Peace’ in Chhattisgarh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared a “new era of peace” in Chhattisgarh, replacing Maoist violence with development initiatives. During his visit to Mohbhattha village in Bilaspur district, he launched several major projects while criticizing the Congress for its past policies.
Maoism vs. Development: Modi’s Critique of Congress
At the public gathering, Modi accused the Congress of “encouraging Naxalism” through ineffective policies. He claimed that under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, development efforts were restoring peace and gaining people’s trust.
“This new era of peace in Naxal-affected areas is a result of the BJP government’s development and welfare policies,” Modi stated. This visit was his first to the state after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Major Development Projects Launched
Railway Expansion and Electrification
Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for railway projects spanning 219 km, valued at Rs 2,690 crore. Notably, he announced the 100% electrification of Chhattisgarh’s rail network, a major step toward enhancing connectivity.
The newly launched Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train service in the Abhanpur-Raipur section via Mandir Hasaud is expected to improve regional transportation.
Power Sector Growth
The Prime Minister laid the foundation for NTPC’s Sipat Super Thermal Power Project Stage-III (1×800 MW) in Bilaspur, worth Rs 9,790 crore.
He also commissioned Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited’s (CSPGCL) first Super Critical Thermal Power Project (2X660MW), valued at Rs 15,800 crore.
Additionally, he dedicated to the nation three power transmission projects under the Western Region Expansion Scheme (WRES) of POWER GRID, worth over Rs 560 crore.
Energy and Gas Infrastructure
A major step in energy development, Modi inaugurated Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd’s (BPCL) City Gas Distribution (CGD) project for Korea, Surajpur, Balrampur, and Surguja districts.
This Rs 1,285 crore project comprises a 200 km high-pressure pipeline, over 800 km of Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) pipeline, and multiple CNG dispensing outlets.
He also inaugurated Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd’s (HPCL) Visakh-Raipur Pipeline (VRPL), a 540 km multi-product pipeline valued at Rs 2,210 crore.
National Highway Upgrades
Key national highway projects were launched, including:
- Upgraded Jhalmala to Sherpar section of NH-930 (37 km)
- Ambikapur-Pathalgaon section of NH-43 (75 km), both upgraded to two-lane roads with paved shoulders.
- The Kondagaon-Narayanpur section of NH-130D (47.5 km) will also be developed into a two-lane highway, with a total investment of Rs 1,270 crore.
These upgrades aim to boost connectivity to tribal and industrial regions.
Education Reforms: SHRI Schools and Vidya Samiksha Kendra
The Prime Minister launched 130 PM SHRI Schools across 29 districts, equipped with modern infrastructure, smart boards, laboratories, and libraries.
He also inaugurated the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) in Raipur, designed to enable online monitoring and data analysis of educational programs.
Housing and Social Development
During the event, Modi conducted the Griha Pravesh ceremony for three lakh beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), reinforcing the government’s commitment to providing housing for all.
Political Context and Opposition Response
Addressing the gathering, Modi emphasized that Congress had neglected development in Maoist-affected areas, allowing violence to thrive. “Unlike Congress, which allowed Naxalism to flourish, we are ensuring peace through development,” he stated.
Senior Congress leader RP Singh responded, calling Modi’s statements misleading. “His home minister Amit Shah previously claimed a 72% decline in Maoist violence. Now the PM is making contradictory statements. This is false and should be condemned,” Singh said.
With infrastructure projects worth over Rs 33,700 crore, Modi’s visit signals a strong push for development in Chhattisgarh.
From railway expansion to energy infrastructure, highways, and education reforms, these initiatives aim to bring long-term economic growth and stability to the region.
As the BJP continues to consolidate its presence, Chhattisgarh stands at a turning point—moving away from its history of violence toward a future built on development and progress.
