Chhattisgarh CM Advocates for Enhanced Road Connectivity in Bastar Region

Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai has called for special provisions in the Prime Minister's Rural Road Scheme to improve road connectivity in the remote Bastar region. During a meeting with Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, he emphasized the need for recognizing settlements within a ten-kilometer radius as clusters to ensure more villages gain access to roads. The CM highlighted the importance of road infrastructure in linking residents to essential services and fostering development, especially as Bastar transitions from its troubled past. The proposal received a positive response from the central minister, who acknowledged the state's efforts in rural development.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2026, 06:31 IST

Strengthening Road Links in Remote Areas

The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Dev Sai, has urged for special provisions under the Prime Minister's Rural Road Scheme to enhance road connectivity in the remote and challenging areas of the Bastar division. This request was made during a meeting with the Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, as reported by officials on Friday.

Present at the meeting was the state's Home Minister, Vijay Sharma, who informed the central minister about the progress of various development schemes and the expansion of infrastructure in rural areas, including Bastar. CM Sai highlighted that many villages in Bastar are situated in dense forests, hilly terrains, and difficult geographical conditions.

Currently, the Prime Minister's Rural Road Scheme considers only settlements within a radius of five hundred meters as a 'cluster.' This limitation leaves numerous small and remote villages in Bastar without road access. He proposed that, similar to Arunachal Pradesh, settlements within a ten-kilometer radius should also be recognized as a 'cluster' to connect more villages to road networks.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Bastar is moving away from the era of Naxalism and is rapidly progressing towards development. He stated that improved road connectivity would be a crucial means to link local residents with education, healthcare, agriculture, employment, and government schemes. Roads are not merely transportation routes; they are the foundation for development, security, and prosperity.

Given the unique geographical conditions of Bastar, he urged that this proposal be prioritized for approval. Officials noted that the Union Minister listened attentively to the Chief Minister's proposal and assured him of positive consideration. During the meeting, the central minister praised the efforts of the Chhattisgarh government in the field of rural development.