Kumar Bahukhandi
High-Level Bridges, Modern Rural Markets, Fruit and Vegetable Mandis, and ‘Mahtari Sadans’ to Accelerate Rural Development
Raipur: During his visit to Jashpur on Sunday May 10, 2026 , Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai bestowed a significant gift of development upon the residents of the region by performing the groundbreaking and inauguration ceremonies for various public-welfare development projects at an event held in Gram Panchayat Kaliba, under the Kunkuri Development Block.
Chief Minister Sai inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 12 development projects with a total estimated cost of ₹16.05 crore (₹16,05,91,000). These projects include crucial construction works such as high-level bridges, modern rural markets (Haat Bazars), fruit and vegetable mandis, school buildings, and ‘Mahtari Sadans’ (women’s centers); these initiatives are set to significantly bolster transportation, education, agricultural marketing, women’s empowerment, and rural infrastructure within the region.
Chief Minister Sai stated that the state government is working with unwavering commitment to extend the benefits of development to every village, every poor citizen, every farmer, and the very last person in society. He emphasised that basic amenities—such as roads, bridges, schools, markets, and women’s centers—are not merely construction projects; rather, they serve as vital instruments for strengthening both the rural economy and social fabric.
These initiatives are expected to bring about positive transformations in people’s standards of living and generate new opportunities across rural areas.
During the event, Chief Minister Sai performed the groundbreaking ceremony for eight development projects with a combined estimated cost of ₹12.86 crore (₹12,86,03,000). Through the Chhattisgarh State Agricultural Marketing Board, a modern rural market (Haat Bazar) is set to be constructed in Gram Panchayat Kaliba at a cost of ₹57.66 lakh; this facility will feature amenities such as covered sheds, borewells, and concrete (CC) roads.
Similarly, a modern rural market will be constructed in Gram Panchayat Beharakhar at an estimated cost of ₹80.59 lakh. The establishment of these markets will provide farmers and rural traders with better, more convenient venues to sell their produce, thereby giving a significant boost to local trade and commerce.
The Public Works Department (Bridges) will construct a high-level bridge and approach roads on the Kaliba-Tangarbahar (Baigatoli) route at a cost of ₹5.1106 crore. Additionally, a high-level bridge and approach roads will be built over the Champajhariya Nala on the Banspatra-Duldula route at a cost of ₹5.9080 crore. The construction of these bridges will facilitate smoother commuting—particularly during the monsoon season—and provide villagers with relief from long-standing difficulties.
Furthermore, under the aegis of the Department of Panchayat and Rural Development, the Bhoomi Pujan (groundbreaking ceremony) was performed for the construction of new school buildings for Primary School Korwadera, Primary School Dadgaon, Boys’ Middle School Narayanpur, and Primary School Lalgoda.
The construction of these buildings will provide students with a better educational environment and improved infrastructure facilities, CM Sai noted.
During the program, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also inaugurated four completed development projects totaling ₹3.1988 crore. Specifically, a fruit and vegetable market, warehouse, platform, restrooms, parking area, and CC (concrete) road—constructed at a cost of ₹2.4578 crore by the Agricultural Produce Market Committee, Jashpur, at the Kunkuri Sub-Market (located in Gram Panchayat Kandora/Mahuatoli)—were formally inaugurated.
The operationalisation of this modern market will provide farmers and traders with enhanced facilities for the storage, transportation, and marketing of agricultural produce, CM remarked.
In addition, the Mahtari Sadans (Women’s Centers) constructed by the Department of Panchayat and Rural Development in Dhodhibahar, Narayanpur, and Keradih were also inaugurated.
Each Mahtari Sadan has been constructed at a cost of ₹24.70 lakh. These centers will provide women with a convenient space for meetings, training sessions, Self-Help Group activities, and social gatherings, thereby giving a new direction to women’s empowerment.
Chief Minister Sai stated that the State Government is working in a systematic manner, prioritising infrastructure development in rural areas.
The construction of bridges and roads will strengthen rural connectivity; school buildings will bolster the education system; modern markets and mandis will provide farmers with improved facilities; and Mahtari Sadans will serve as robust centers for the social and economic empowerment of women.
He stated that the government’s objective is not merely to undertake construction work, but to make the life of every individual residing in the villages more convenient, secure, and prosperous.
Present at the event were Chief Minister Sai’s wife, Kaushalya Sai; District Panchayat President Salik Sai; and former District Panchayat Vice President Upendra Yadav, alongside public representatives, government officials and employees, and a large number of villagers.
