Kumar Bahukhandi
Tribal Welfare Minister Ramvichar Netam performs the traditional Bhoomi Pujan for the proposed ₹5.91-crore high-level bridge over the Moran River at Kapildevpur village in Balrampur district, Chhattisgarh, on Sunday, October 18, 2026, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Mahashtami. The bridge is expected to benefit up to 20,000 residents across 12–15 villages by reducing the distance to Balrampur district headquarters by approximately 15 kilometres. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
High-Level Bridge on Kapildevpur–Basera Road to Benefit Nearly 20,000 Residents Across 12–15 Villages, Reduce Distance to Balrampur District Headquarters by 15 Kilometres and Improve Access to Healthcare, Education and Employment
Key Highlights
- Tribal Welfare Minister Ramvichar Netam performs Bhoomi Pujan for the high-level bridge over the Moran River on Mahashtami.
- ₹591.04 lakh sanctioned for the bridge and its approach roads on the Kapildevpur–Basera route.
- Around 15,000–20,000 people across 12–15 villages expected to benefit directly.
- New connectivity will reduce the journey to Balrampur district headquarters by approximately 15 kilometres.
- Bridge will measure 144 metres in length and 8.40 metres in width, with six spans of 24 metres each.
- Minister announces progress on the Chalgali–Ramanujganj road and emphasises rural infrastructure, women’s empowerment and agricultural livelihoods.
Raipur: Tribal Welfare Minister Ramvichar Netam marked the auspicious occasion of Mahashtami on Sunday, October 18, 2026, by laying the foundation stone for a ₹5.91-crore high-level bridge over the Moran River at Kapildevpur village in Chhattisgarh’s Balrampur district. The long-awaited infrastructure project on the Kapildevpur–Basera road promises to transform connectivity for thousands of residents in the Chalgali region, reducing the distance to the district headquarters by nearly 15 kilometres and improving access to essential services.
The foundation-laying ceremony, performed amid traditional religious rituals and the presence of local residents, marked an important step towards addressing a longstanding transport difficulty faced by villages in the region.
The project will be executed by the Public Works Department’s Bridge Division, Ambikapur, following administrative approval of ₹591.04 lakh.
Mahashtami Brings a Long-Awaited Development Gift to Chalgali
The ceremony held at Kapildevpur carried particular significance as it coincided with Mahashtami, one of the most important days of the Navratri festival.
For residents of the Chalgali region, the occasion represented more than a ceremonial beginning to construction. The proposed bridge promises to address years of difficulty caused by the absence of reliable connectivity across the Moran River.
Tribal Welfare Minister Ramvichar Netam addresses local residents and public representatives during the foundation-laying programme for the Moran River bridge at Kapildevpur village in Balrampur district, Chhattisgarh, on Sunday, October 18, 2026. He highlighted improved rural connectivity, development of essential infrastructure, women’s economic empowerment and the adoption of scientific agricultural practices. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Speaking at the programme, Minister Ramvichar Netam described the project as an important development initiative for the region.
“On the auspicious occasion of Mahashtami, the people of this region have received a significant gift. For a long time, villagers have faced difficulties because of the absence of a bridge. Once the bridge is completed, emergency healthcare, education and employment opportunities will become more accessible to rural families,” Netam said, according to the substance of his remarks in the official release.
He emphasised that improved road connectivity was essential for bringing the benefits of development to remote and rural communities.
Bridge to Benefit Up to 20,000 Residents Across 15 Villages
The proposed bridge is expected to benefit approximately 15,000 to 20,000 residents living in 12 to 15 villages of the Chalgali region.
At present, residents travelling towards Balrampur district headquarters must cover a longer route because of the existing connectivity constraints.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to shorten the journey by approximately 15 kilometres.
The reduction in travel distance could be particularly important for patients requiring urgent medical attention, students travelling to educational institutions, farmers transporting agricultural produce and residents commuting for employment.
Improved connectivity is also expected to make the movement of essential goods and services more convenient.
₹5.91-Crore Project Designed for Stronger and Safer Connectivity
The bridge will be constructed with specifications intended to provide a durable crossing over the Moran River.
The principal technical features include:
| Project component | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kapildevpur–Basera Road |
| River | Moran |
| Approved cost | ₹591.04 lakh |
| Bridge length | 144 metres |
| Bridge width | 8.40 metres |
| Structural spans | Six spans of 24 metres each |
| Foundation | Pile foundation technology |
| Total approach roads | 271 metres |
| Executing agency | PWD Bridge Division, Ambikapur |
The use of pile foundation technology is intended to provide structural stability by transferring loads to suitable supporting strata beneath the ground.
Approach roads extending a combined 271 metres on both sides will connect the bridge with the existing road network.
The project is expected to improve the reliability of road access, although its completion schedule was not specified in the release.
Chalgali–Ramanujganj Road Also Receives Government Approval
Minister Netam also informed residents that the Chalgali–Ramanujganj road project had received approval.
Construction is expected to begin after completion of the tendering process.
“The Chalgali–Ramanujganj road has already been approved, and construction will commence once the tender process is completed. We are also working, in coordination with public representatives, on plans to provide better road connectivity between Chalgali, Balrampur and Wadrafnagar,” he said, as conveyed in the release.
The proposed improvements are intended to strengthen the wider transport network and make it easier for residents to reach important administrative, commercial and service centres.
Strengthening Rural Infrastructure Remains a Government Priority
Addressing the gathering, Netam reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure in rural areas.
He referred to the construction of cement-concrete roads in villages and the implementation of development works according to the requirements of individual gram panchayats.
The minister also highlighted the importance of providing essential facilities in educational institutions.
Schools without separate toilets for girl students are being given priority for the construction of such facilities.
Plans have also been prepared for the development of cremation grounds where required.
“Strengthening rural infrastructure is a priority of the state government. Development works are being undertaken in villages and gram panchayats according to local needs so that people have access to essential facilities,” Netam said, reflecting the remarks provided in the release.
Mahtari Vandan Scheme Supporting Women’s Financial Independence
The minister also highlighted the role of the Mahtari Vandan Yojana in strengthening women’s financial independence.
Under the scheme, eligible women receive ₹1,000 per month through direct transfers into their bank accounts.
Netam said that such financial assistance was intended to support women in managing household needs while giving them greater economic confidence.
He also acknowledged the growing participation of rural women in income-generating activities through self-help groups.
Initiatives involving vegetable cultivation, poultry farming, goat rearing and the Drone Didi programme were cited as examples of women’s expanding participation in rural economic activity.
Minister Encourages Scientific Farming and Commercial Livestock Activities
Turning to agriculture, Netam urged farmers to adopt modern and scientific cultivation methods to improve productivity and strengthen household incomes.
He encouraged rural families to explore dairy production and animal husbandry as organised commercial activities rather than relying exclusively on traditional cultivation.
The minister emphasised the importance of diversifying sources of income and making effective use of government-supported livelihood opportunities.
He also appreciated women associated with self-help groups for pursuing agricultural and allied activities to achieve greater economic self-reliance.
Bridge Project Expected to Open New Opportunities for Rural Communities
The proposed Moran River bridge represents an important addition to the road infrastructure of the Balrampur region.
By reducing travel distances and strengthening connections between villages and district-level services, the project has the potential to improve everyday mobility and support local economic activity.
The foundation-laying ceremony on Mahashtami brought together local public representatives, villagers and officials, reflecting the importance attached to the project by the surrounding communities.
For the residents of Chalgali, the anticipated benefits extend beyond shorter journeys: the bridge promises more dependable access to hospitals, schools, markets and employment opportunities.
With the project now formally inaugurated at the foundation stage, attention will turn to its timely execution and the delivery of the connectivity improvements promised to the region.
