Kumar Bahukhandi
Raipur: Chhattisgarh, which emerged as a new state on November 1, 2000, also known as the
“heart of India,” is celebrating its silver jubilee this year. This year, Chhattisgarh is not only
proud of its past but also alert to the challenges and opportunities of the future. Nava Raipur Atal
Nagar is a bright vision of the state’s future. It represents a decisive step towards a new type of
urban life, modern infrastructure, investment opportunities, a smart city model, and sustainable
development. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s government has made the development of the
new city a priority for the state government. And this silver jubilee is also an opportunity to
assess the success of these initiatives, the shortcomings faced, and what can be done next
Nava Raipur Atal Nagar: History and Objectives
Old Raipur faced numerous problems, including population pressure, traffic congestion, limited
public services, pollution, and the dispersion of government offices. To address these issues, the
capital was relocated to a new location, and Nava Raipur Atal Nagar came into being. Under the
leadership of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, it is being developed in a planned manner, with the
aim of facilitating the operation of all the capital’s important government institutions, public
services, and modern lifestyle amenities. Nava Raipur is being developed in the far east-
southeast direction of Raipur.
Residential areas, government offices, commercial blocks, green spaces, and cultural centers are being strategically arranged here. Several sectors and villages, such as Baroda, Ramchandi, RIICO, Mandir Hasaud, Arang, Serikheri, Nakati, etc., are included.in this master plan. Naya Raipur is a smart city model, featuring modern roads, public transportation, traffic management systems, energy efficiency, the use of solar energy and green buildings, ample green spaces (parks, forests, and open spaces), adequate digital connectivity through fiber-optic networks and Wi-Fi, and enhanced quality of life through health, education, cultural events, and entertainment. This is not just a story of transforming the capital, but also of transforming the quality of life.Infrastructure: Facilities and Development.Naya Raipur’s roads are being widened, and pedestrian and cycle tracks are being installed in accordance with the
master plan.
Traffic control systems are being implemented to ensure smooth vehicle flow and reduce
congestion. Electrification, electricity, water, gas, and sewage infrastructure are being provided in a planned manner. For example, projects are underway in Naya Raipur, including the creation of new tehsils, underground power lines, and LPG pipelines.
Green Space and Environment
o Approximately 30% of the land is planned to be reserved for green space. Parks, vegetation
zones, and open green belts in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar will provide clean air and exercise
facilities for citizens. The extensive use of solar power plants will prevent environmental
degradation. Initiatives such as increasing forest cover, conserving minor forest produce, and
promoting eco-tourism are being implemented to control pollution and promote a green
economy.
Health, Education, and Other Public Services
o Under the direction of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, a world-class Medicity is planned in Nava
Raipur on approximately 400 acres of land in Sector 37. It will include research centers, medical
training institutes, and hospitality facilities. This will help Chhattisgarh become a hub for
healthcare services and will also be a magnet for visitors from outside.
o Plans are underway to promote medical tourism. The Medical Tourism/Medicity area has
immense investment potential in the healthcare sector. A large hospital, superspecialty facilities,
research and training centers, and hospitality facilities will be located within the same campus.
Approximately 141.84 acres of land has been allotted to CSIDC in Sector 22, Village Tuta, for the
pharmaceutical park. The pharmaceutical park will provide facilities to industries in areas such
as drug manufacturing, packaging, and logistics. New tehsil areas are being created to ensure
administrative services reach rural areas. Digital Infrastructure, Intelligent Systems
o The Chhattisgarh government is establishing Atal Digital Service Centers to ensure citizens can
access government services at the village panchayat level. Features such as fiber-optic networks
and Wi-Fi zones are being incorporated. A Central Business District (CBD) is being developed,
which will house facilities such as entertainment, business, and technical training. Shopping
facilities, holographic entertainment centers, and other amenities are proposed.
Investment Situation: Proposals, Industries, and Opportunities
Thanks to the Chief Minister’s initiative, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar has become an emerging
investment hub. Plans are underway to develop Nava Raipur as an IT hub. Investment proposals
have been received for AI (artificial intelligence), steel, energy, and semiconductor industries. If
successful, these will generate significant employment, technological advancement, and boost
the state’s economy. Investment proposals are being received from countries like Japan and
Korea. Investment proposals have reached approximately ₹6.65 lakh crore.
Real Estate and Housing.
New colonies are being developed, including rural areas included in the master plan, such as
Baroda, Ramchandi, and RIICO. Housing, shops, apartments, and business areas are expected
here. Infrastructure facilities such as underground electricity, sewerage plants, wide roads, and
gas pipelines are planned in the new areas.
The Sai Government’s Financial Discipline
The Nava Raipur Atal Nagar Development Authority (NRDA) has declared itself debt-free by
repaying its substantial outstanding debt. The debt of approximately ₹1,788 crore has been
completely settled. Making the NRDA debt-free is a significant achievement for the Sai
government in the state. This has ensured that development work in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar has
been uninterrupted and financial burdens have been relieved. This is a sign of the Sai
government’s financial discipline. The government has allocated resources to the development
authority through the budget and provided additional funds to industrial areas.
Contributions of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai and Government Policies
Under the leadership of the current Chhattisgarh government, Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai has
strived to make Nava Raipur Atal Nagar a development model for the state. By prioritizing
budget allocations, the Sai government has ensured financial resources for new projects,
industrial areas, and public facilities. A new industrial policy has been adopted to attract
investment in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. This policy is encouraging investment proposals in
sectors such as IT, semiconductors, and AI. Steps have been taken to expand access to public
services, establish digital government, and deliver services at the local level. For example, Atal
Digital Service Centers have been established at the village panchayat level.
Inclusive Development, Green Economy, and Social Welfare.
On the initiative of the state government, environmental protection policies have been
strengthened in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. Priority has been given to schemes such as increasing
forest cover, promoting forest-based income sources, and eco-tourism. To promote healthcare,
initiatives like Medicity and providing better healthcare facilities to the general public are being
implemented. Steps have been taken to improve transparency, public participation, and grievance
redressal mechanisms in governance and administration.
Chhattisgarh’s Silver Jubilee: Symbolic Significance
The 25-year journey of the state of Chhattisgarh is a story of courage, challenges, heritage, and
development. On this occasion, the progress of Nava Raipur Atal Nagar demonstrates that the
state has not only relied on its own resources but has also moved forward with self-confidence,
planning, and foresight. The Sai government in the state didn’t just make “paper plans,” but
instead tried to implement its promises. If Naya Raipur succeeds, it will serve as a model for
other states and districts on how to develop a planned new city that balances the environment,
investment, civic amenities, and a smart lifestyle.
Naya Raipur Atal Nagar isn’t just a new capital; it’s Chhattisgarh’s new destination. It’s the story
of a state that has built prosperity from forests, rural areas, tribal culture, and natural resources.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and his government have taken strong steps in this
direction—from a debt-free authority to large investment proposals, from a Medicity to smart
facilities—all of which indicate that Chhattisgarh is now becoming a hub of investment,
development, health, and lifestyle. If all plans are completed on time, Naya Raipur Atal Nagar
could become not just the state capital but also Chhattisgarh’s symbol of victory.
