Raipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated the people of Chhattisgarh on the state’s 26th Foundation Day, highlighting the transformation of areas once affected by Maoist violence and the expansion of infrastructure, connectivity and welfare initiatives.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday, the Prime Minister said that decisive progress against Maoism had created a new environment for development. He described areas previously associated with the Maoist-affected Red Corridor as emerging centres of peace, trust and development.
Modi also expressed pride in the changes taking place in Bastar, noting that improved connectivity, infrastructure projects and welfare measures were contributing to the state’s development journey.
Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh on November 1, 2000, under the government of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
PM Modi Highlights ₹51,000-Crore Railway Projects and Four Airports
In his letter, the Prime Minister highlighted the expansion of transport infrastructure in Chhattisgarh, particularly in the aviation, railway and road sectors.
He recalled that around 25 years ago, there was only one daily flight between Delhi and Raipur. The state now has a network of four modern airports, he said.
Key infrastructure developments highlighted by the Prime Minister include:
- Railways: Projects worth more than ₹51,000 crore are currently underway in Chhattisgarh. Services such as Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains have also been introduced.
- Road connectivity: Road construction has reduced travel time between Raipur and Bilaspur by nearly half.
- Expressways: Proposed and ongoing expressway connectivity involving Visakhapatnam and the Ranchi-Dhanbad region is expected to strengthen links with major economic centres.
- Air connectivity: The state has expanded from a single daily Delhi-Raipur flight connection to a network of four modern airports.
According to Modi, these infrastructure developments will support connectivity, industrial activity and employment opportunities.
More Than 25 Lakh Farmers Benefiting from Paddy Procurement
The Prime Minister also referred to the state’s paddy procurement arrangements, stating that more than 25 lakh farmers were benefiting from the system, which provides better prices for their produce.
He highlighted several welfare initiatives and their reported reach across the state:
- Food security: Around 73 lakh needy families are receiving free foodgrains under various government schemes.
- Housing: More than 22 lakh permanent houses have been completed in rural and urban areas.
- Women’s welfare: Over 68 lakh women are receiving ₹1,000 every month under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana.
- Tribal development: Initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, PM JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan are being used to improve basic facilities and connectivity in tribal areas.
The Prime Minister said these measures were part of efforts to extend development benefits to different sections of society.
AIIMS, IIT, IIM and Other Institutions Highlighted
Modi also referred to the presence of prominent educational institutions in Chhattisgarh, including AIIMS, IIT, IIIT, IIM and NIFT.
He said initiatives such as PM-SETU and the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme were supporting skill development among young people.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the development of Nava Raipur as a modern urban centre and referred to efforts to position Chhattisgarh as a hub for innovation and technology under the India AI Mission and Semiconductor Mission.
Chhattisgarh Declared Free of Naxalism on March 31, 2026
The Foundation Day celebrations carry particular significance following the state’s declaration of being free of Naxalism on March 31, 2026, marking the end of a four-decade-long Maoist insurgency in the region, according to reports.
In his letter, Modi said Maoism had long remained one of the major obstacles to Chhattisgarh’s development. He credited the progress against the insurgency with creating a more favourable environment for infrastructure expansion and development activities.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the contribution of security personnel and local communities in the transformation of Maoism-affected areas.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai shared the Prime Minister’s letter on social media platform X and thanked him for his greetings. He said the Prime Minister’s affection for Chhattisgarh’s culture, heritage and people was a source of pride and inspiration for the state.
Sai had earlier described the 26th Foundation Day as particularly significant, as it was the first such celebration after the state’s declaration of freedom from Naxalism.
Air Force’s Sarang Team Performs at Foundation Day Rehearsal
Ahead of the Foundation Day celebrations, the Indian Air Force’s Sarang Helicopter Display Team performed aerial manoeuvres during the full-dress rehearsal at Nava Raipur on Sunday.
The event was organised at Sendh Lake and attended by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
The Air Force’s Akash Ganga skydiving team and Garud commandos also participated, showcasing their skills and coordination. The Sarang team performed aerial formations, including displays featuring the Tricolour.
The three-day Rajyotsav celebrations began on November 1 and are scheduled to conclude on November 3.
A State’s Development Journey
In his Foundation Day message, Modi recalled his longstanding association with Chhattisgarh, including visits to the region when it was part of undivided Madhya Pradesh. He also remembered his visit during the state’s silver jubilee celebrations last year, when he inaugurated the new Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly building.
Referring to the message of Sant Guru Ghasidas, ‘Mankhe-Mankhe Ek Samaan’ (all human beings are equal), the Prime Minister said the principle of equality and the broader vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ continued to guide development efforts.
He expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh would contribute significantly to the goal of building a developed India, with the state’s ‘Anjor Vision’ document providing direction to its development ambitions.
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