Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday officially launched the Chief Minister Bus Service Scheme, a key initiative aimed at enhancing public transport connectivity in remote and underserved regions of the state, particularly in the Bastar and Surguja divisions.
Mr. Sai stated that provisions for the scheme have already been made in the state budget and that district collectors have been directed to identify areas where people face a lack of public transport facilities. The scheme specifically targets routes with high demand but no existing bus services.
Government to Bear Operational Losses
To ensure the financial viability of the service, the Chief Minister announced that the state government would compensate losses incurred by running buses on less-profitable routes, much like it does for low-passenger flights between Raipur and interior regions such as Jagdalpur and Sarguja.
He said, “The Prime Minister once said even a person wearing slippers should be able to travel by air. Similarly, we are now ensuring the same level of access through road connectivity. Where flights are subsidised due to low passenger loads, we will apply the same principle to bus services.”
Massive Push for Irrigation and Infrastructure
In a related development, the Chief Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to reviving the ambitious Bodhghat irrigation project, to be developed on the Indravati River in Dantewada district. Estimated to cost around Rs. 49,000 crore, the project aims to irrigate about 3.5 lakh hectares of land across Sukma, Bijapur, and Dantewada districts, and generate electricity for these regions.
Bhairamgarh Sub-Divisional Officer Mr. Pradeep Kumar Dong welcomed the move, noting that the project would significantly benefit both agriculture and power supply in the region. “If any land or property is affected due to submergence, the government will compensate the owners. There’s no reason for farmers to oppose it,” he said.
Tourism Development and Fight Against Naxalism
Mr. Sai also underscored the government’s focus on developing the tourism sector in Bastar and Surguja, calling it an untapped industry. “There is immense potential in these areas. The biggest obstacle had been Naxalism, but under the leadership of the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, we are committed to eliminating it,” he said.
He further announced that tourism would be developed as a full-fledged industry, with incentives and policies akin to those in place for industrial development.
Local businessman Mr. Narendra Nag echoed the optimism, stating that the Bodhghat project and tourism initiatives could transform the regional economy by generating employment, enhancing irrigation, boosting fisheries, and supporting local enterprises.
With integrated focus on transport, irrigation, tourism, and security, the Chhattisgarh government under Mr. Sai appears to be taking a holistic approach to sustainable development in its tribal heartland.
Also Read: Naxalism Will Be Eradicated by March 2026: Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai
