Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary reviews project documents with officials during an inspection of ongoing development works in Raigarh on Monday, October 19, 2026. The Minister directed officials to accelerate construction, maintain quality standards and complete infrastructure projects within their prescribed deadlines. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Finance Minister Reviews Canal Link Road, Boirdadar Stadium, Marine Drive, Pond Beautification and Oxygen Zone Projects; Pushes for Olympic-Standard Sports Facilities, Better Connectivity and Modern Civic Infrastructure
Key Highlights
- Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary conducts an extensive inspection of ongoing development projects across Raigarh.
- Officials directed to complete all construction works within stipulated deadlines without compromising quality.
- Canal Link Road at Jogidipa to connect Kewdabadi Bus Stand with New and Old Marine Drive roads.
- Olympic-standard swimming pool, synthetic athletics track and skating rink planned at Boirdadar Stadium.
- Fatahamuda and Mitthumuda ponds being developed with pathways, gardens, open gyms and recreational facilities.
- Oxygen Zone at the Kisan Rice Mill premises to promote greenery, fitness and healthier public spaces.
- Minister announces ₹1.50 lakh assistance for temple construction following a request from Mitthumuda residents.
Raipur: Chhattisgarh Finance Minister and Raigarh MLA O.P. Choudhary has directed officials to ensure that every ongoing development project in Raigarh is completed within its prescribed deadline and meets the highest standards of construction quality. Conducting an extensive inspection of major infrastructure and civic development works on Monday, October 19, 2026, the Minister made it clear that unnecessary delays would not be tolerated and that public convenience, long-term requirements and accountability must remain central to project execution.
Choudhary inspected the Canal Link Road under construction at Jogidipa, modern sports facilities at Boirdadar Stadium, development works at Pragatinagar Marine Drive, beautification projects at Fatahamuda and Mitthumuda ponds, and the Oxygen Zone being developed at the Kisan Rice Mill premises.
During the inspection, he sought detailed information from departmental officials regarding construction progress, quality standards, technical requirements and expected completion schedules.
Emphasising the need for strict monitoring, the Finance Minister said that regular field inspections were essential to identify shortcomings, accelerate execution and incorporate practical suggestions from citizens.
Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary visits a development site in Raigarh on Monday, October 19, 2026, accompanied by officials, public representatives and local residents. During his inspection of multiple projects, the Minister emphasised timely completion, construction quality and the expansion of modern civic amenities. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Development works must be completed within the stipulated timeframe without compromising quality. Unnecessary delays will not be accepted. Every project must prioritise public convenience and the future requirements of the city,” Choudhary said, outlining his directions to officials.
Canal Link Road to Strengthen Raigarh’s Urban Connectivity
The Finance Minister inspected the Canal Link Road being constructed at Jogidipa and instructed officials to accelerate the remaining work.
The proposed road will connect Kewdabadi Bus Stand with the New and Old Marine Drive roads, creating an important link between different parts of Raigarh.
Once completed, the road is expected to improve traffic movement, provide alternative connectivity and reduce travel difficulties for commuters.
Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary inspects an ongoing development project in Raigarh on Monday, October 19, 2026, and issues directions to officials in the presence of local representatives and residents. The inspection formed part of his review of road connectivity, sports infrastructure, pond beautification and civic development works across the city. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Choudhary directed officials to complete demarcation and other necessary procedures without delay and ensure better coordination between road construction and beautification activities.
He emphasised that road infrastructure should be planned with the city’s expanding traffic requirements in mind.
“Improving connectivity is essential for a growing city. Road projects must be executed with proper coordination so that citizens receive lasting benefits and traffic movement becomes smoother,” the Minister said, explaining the objective of the project.
He also stressed that the construction process should minimise inconvenience to local residents and ensure that the completed infrastructure remains useful for years to come.
Olympic-Standard Swimming Pool and Synthetic Athletics Track at Boirdadar Stadium
Sports infrastructure formed another major focus of the inspection.
At Boirdadar Stadium, Choudhary reviewed the progress of an Olympic-standard swimming pool, synthetic athletics track and skating rink.
He instructed officials to accord priority to these projects and accelerate construction so that athletes could access modern training facilities at the earliest.
The Finance Minister also directed the removal of debris accumulated on the athletics track and called for better maintenance and organisation of the stadium premises.
He said that sports infrastructure must be developed according to the actual requirements of athletes and should support systematic training and skill development.
“Our priority is to provide the athletes of Raigarh with modern sports infrastructure and better training facilities. Development must be guided by the genuine needs of sportspersons, and their suggestions should receive due consideration,” Choudhary said.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of developing additional facilities, including an open gym, within the stadium complex.
He instructed officials to pay attention to concerns raised by athletes and ensure that sports facilities were practical, accessible and maintained to appropriate standards.
The planned swimming pool, synthetic track and skating rink are expected to expand opportunities for young athletes and encourage greater participation in competitive sports.
Fatahamuda Pond to Become a Modern Recreational Destination
Choudhary inspected the beautification work underway at Fatahamuda pond, where several public amenities are being developed.
The project includes pathways, landscaped gardens, an open gym, traditional access steps, fountains and decorative lighting.
These facilities are intended to transform the pond surroundings into a cleaner, more attractive and accessible public space.
Once completed, the area is expected to provide residents with opportunities for morning and evening walks, exercise, relaxation and recreational activities.
The Finance Minister instructed officials to maintain quality throughout construction and ensure that the various components were developed in a coordinated manner.
He stressed that pond beautification should not be limited to cosmetic improvements but should create lasting public facilities while protecting the existing waterbody.
Mitthumuda Pond Development to Improve Public Amenities
The Minister also reviewed the ongoing beautification and infrastructure works at Mitthumuda pond.
The project includes improvements to the entrance, parking facilities, park development, walking pathways, an open gym and other civic amenities.
Choudhary directed officials to treat the work as an integrated development project rather than a collection of unrelated construction activities.
He specifically instructed engineers and implementing agencies to take precautions against seepage and other technical problems that could affect the durability of the structures.
During the visit, he interacted with local residents and listened to their concerns and suggestions.
Responding to a request from residents, the Finance Minister announced financial assistance of ₹1.50 lakh for temple construction in the Mitthumuda area.
The interaction highlighted the importance of incorporating local requirements into urban development projects.
Oxygen Zone at Kisan Rice Mill Premises to Promote Healthier Living
The Finance Minister inspected the Oxygen Zone being developed at the Kisan Rice Mill premises.
The project aims to expand green spaces within Raigarh while providing residents with facilities for physical activity, recreation and well-being.
An open gym, walking pathways, yoga centre and other public amenities are being developed as part of the initiative.
Choudhary said that the expansion of green spaces was essential for improving urban living conditions.
“The development of green spaces and facilities that encourage a healthy lifestyle is extremely important. Projects such as the Oxygen Zone will provide citizens with a better environment while creating opportunities for exercise, yoga and recreation,” the Finance Minister said.
He emphasised that modern urban development must consider environmental sustainability alongside roads, buildings and other physical infrastructure.
The Oxygen Zone is expected to provide residents with an accessible public space for regular exercise and leisure activities.
Marine Drive Development Also Reviewed
At Pragatinagar Marine Drive, Choudhary examined the progress of ongoing development activities.
He sought updates from officials and emphasised the need to maintain quality while completing the remaining work.
The Minister said that public spaces such as Marine Drive should be developed in a manner that improves the city’s appearance while meeting the practical needs of residents.
He directed the departments concerned to coordinate their activities and address any issues that could delay completion.
The inspection formed part of the broader effort to improve Raigarh’s urban infrastructure and public amenities.
Regular Inspections Essential for Accountability
Choudhary said that reviewing projects directly at construction sites was an important part of his approach to development.
He explained that whenever he visits Raigarh, he attempts to inspect ongoing works alongside elected representatives and administrative officials.
Such visits, he said, provide a clearer understanding of actual progress and help identify problems that may not become apparent through routine departmental reports.
“Regular inspection of development works is among my priorities. Whenever I am in Raigarh, I make an effort to review projects with public representatives and administrative officials so that their actual progress can be assessed and necessary improvements can be made according to citizens’ expectations,” the Finance Minister said.
He stressed that effective coordination between departments, public representatives and implementing agencies was necessary to deliver projects efficiently.
The Minister also encouraged officials to remain responsive to suggestions and grievances raised by local residents.
Raigarh Must Establish a New Identity Beyond Revenue Generation
Speaking about the city’s long-term development, Choudhary observed that Raigarh has historically made a significant contribution to Chhattisgarh’s revenue.
He said the time had come for the city to establish an equally strong identity in education, sports, infrastructure, environmental conservation and modern civic amenities.
“Raigarh has long made an important contribution to Chhattisgarh’s revenue. Our endeavour is to ensure that the city also establishes a new identity in education, sports, infrastructure, environmental protection and modern public facilities,” Choudhary said.
The Finance Minister maintained that Raigarh’s future development should reflect both economic progress and improvements in the quality of life of its residents.
He said coordinated efforts by public representatives and administrative departments would help accelerate the city’s transformation.
Raigarh to Play an Important Role in Building a Developed Chhattisgarh
Choudhary reiterated that the state government’s broader development vision required strong urban infrastructure, accessible public facilities and sustainable environmental planning.
He said the ongoing projects in Raigarh were intended to address immediate civic requirements while preparing the city for future growth.
“Through coordinated efforts between public representatives and the administration, we will take Raigarh to new heights of development so that the city plays an important role in building a developed Chhattisgarh,” the Finance Minister said.
He emphasised that successful development should be measured not merely by the number of projects undertaken but by their quality, timely completion and usefulness to citizens.
Mayor Jeevardhan Chouhan, Municipal Corporation Chairman Digri Lal Sahu, Collector Mayank Chaturvedi, local public representatives, councillors, prominent citizens and officials of the Municipal Corporation and other departments accompanied the Finance Minister during the inspection.
