Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated a slew of projects worth around Rs 7,600 crore in Chhattisgarh on Friday. Ahead of the polls in the state, this is the Modi's first visit to the Congress-ruled state since he got elected as PM for the second term.
Modi laid foundation stone for three National Highway projects of the 6-lane greenfield Raipur-Vishakhapatnam corridor. He also dedicated to the nation the doubling of the 103-km-long Raipur-Khariar Road Rail Line, built at a cost of Rs 750 crore. The 17-km-long railway line will connect Keoti-Antagarh and a bottling plant of the Indian Oil Corporation with a capacity of 60,000 metric ton per annum in Korba.
“It's a historic day today in the developmental journey of Chhattisgarh. Today, Chattisgarh is receiving a gift of projects worth over Rs 7,000 crore. This gift of infrastructure, connectivity is to make lives of people of Chattisgarh easy," said PM Modi in his address.
He also added that around nine years ago, over 20 per cent villages in state lacked mobile connectivity, now it has come down to nearly 6 per cent.
“Steps taken by the central government has strengthened industralisation in Chhattisgarh,” he said.
The PM also distributed 75 lakh cards to beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. PM Narendra Modi flags off new train between Antagarh in Kanker district and Raipur.
Bus accident enroute to Modi's rally claims three people
In an unfortunate incident, three were killed and six got injured when a bus with people to PM's rally in Raipur met with an accident in Bilaspur district on Friday.
According to the police officials, the accident occurred near Beltara village. The bus rammed into a stationary truck, said police. Around 40 people were on board when the accident took place, they added.
Police officials also said that it looked like the bus driver was not able to clearly see the vehicle parked due to the heavy rains.
PM Modi extended his condolences to those who passed away in the accident. “I pay tribute to those who have passed away and all possible help is being provided for the treatment of those who have been injured...I wish them a speedy recovery,” he said.
Chattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel has expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to kin of the deceased.
Modi also inaugurated four-laning of the 33-km-long Raipur-Kodebod section of the National Highway 30, the 53-km-long four-lane Bilaspur-Pathrapali stretch of NH-130.
PM Modi was received by Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan and CM Baghel at the Raipur airport.
In 2018, the party had lost the assembly elections in Chhattisgarh.
Modi is on a two day visit to four states including Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and Rajasthan.
(With PTI inputs)
