Raipur: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai attended the inaugural function of RADA Auto Expo-2026 organized by Raipur Automobile Dealers Association at Shriram Business Park in the capital Raipur. On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Chhattisgarh government is striving for continuous development in every sector. Purchasing power of common citizens has increased in the state, due to which the markets are witnessing a boom. He appealed to the people to strictly follow the traffic rules to prevent road accidents. During the program, Chief Minister Shri Sai launched Yamaha XSR-155, Tata Sierra and Mahindra 7XO vehicles. Along with this, he also released the book “Money Matters”.

Addressing the Rada Auto Expo 2026, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that in the last two years, farmers in the state have been receiving fair prices for paddy. Farmers are also benefiting from the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. He said that the reforms made in GST rates have reduced the prices of many commodities, providing great relief to the common people. The Chief Minister said that during discussions with people at various places, he learned that the reduction in GST rates has resulted in a benefit of approximately 15 to 25 thousand rupees in the price of a bike. Meanwhile, one person said that the price of a harvester has decreased by approximately 2 lakh rupees.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that a new industrial policy has been implemented in the state, which is being praised both domestically and internationally. Investment proposals worth approximately ₹8 lakh crore have been received in the past year, and work on several projects has already begun. He said that he had the opportunity to attend the Auto Expo last year as well. At that time, the government had provided a 50 percent discount on road tax, which was widely beneficial. The target for sales at that time was 25,000 vehicles, but approximately 29,000 vehicles were sold. This generated approximately ₹800 crore in GST revenue for the government and ₹129 crore for the Transport Department. Common citizens also directly benefited from the Auto Expo.

Chief Minister Mr. Sai stated that this year's Rada Auto Expo has been organized on a much larger scale. The expo's area has been expanded, and more than 300 stalls have been set up. Entrepreneurs and various companies from across the state are participating. Welcoming all participants, he said that approximately 2,000 vehicles were registered on the first day, and he is confident that this year's target of 50,000 vehicle sales will be achieved. The Chief Minister stated that the Auto Expo should be organized in this manner every year.

In his address, Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap said that this ninth edition of the RADA Auto Expo is not just about vehicle display, but also symbolizes job creation and the progress of the auto sector in the state. He added that the 50 percent road tax discount offered by the Chhattisgarh government is benefiting both customers and small and medium-sized businesses in the state. The state's roads are continuously expanding, leading to improved connectivity and an increase in two-wheeler and four-wheeler sales, even in rural areas. The auto sector in Chhattisgarh is steadily progressing.

It is noteworthy that the Council of Ministers has taken an important decision to provide a 50 percent lifetime road tax rebate on vehicles sold during the 9th Auto Expo, being held in the capital Raipur from January 20 to February 5, 2026. This rebate will be applicable at the time of registration after the sale of the vehicle at the expo, providing a one-time 50 percent motor vehicle tax relief. Vehicle dealers across the state will benefit from this decision; necessary instructions have been issued in this regard.

During the event, Chief Minister Mr. Sai signed the road safety pledge at the Auto Expo and appealed to the public to follow traffic rules. He also released a poster for the Women's Marathon, to be held on the upcoming Women's Day.

Transport Secretary Shri S. Prakash, Transport Commissioner Shri D. Ravishankar, CAT Vice Chairman Shri Amar Parwani, Shri Rajkumar Singhania, Shri Ravindra Bhasin, Shri Vivek Garg and a large number of members of Raipur Automobile Dealers Association were present on the occasion.