Raipur: The foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the silver jubilee of Chhattisgarh statehood has now come to fruition. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has begun groundwork on the mega project, costing Rs 3,147 crore, from Pathalgaon-Kunkuri to the Chhattisgarh-Jharkhand border (NH-43).

Longest extension in Chhattisgarh

The most important and extensive section of the 627-kilometer Raipur-Dhanbad Economic Corridor passes through Chhattisgarh. Approximately 384 kilometers of the total length lies in Chhattisgarh. Currently, construction work has gained momentum on the 104,250-kilometer Pathalgaon-Jharkhand border section.

382 small and large structures

A total of 382 structures (bridges, underpasses, etc.) will be constructed along this section, making the route hassle-free. These include seven major bridges, 30 minor bridges, six flyovers, and one elevated viaduct structure, along with 10 vehicular underpasses (VUP), 18 light vehicular underpasses (LVUP), 26 small vehicular underpasses (SVUP), 11 EOPs, 21 cattle and pedestrian underpasses (PUP), and 278 box culverts.

Inter-state connectivity will be strengthened

Mr. D.D. Parlawar, Project Director of the Korba Project Unit, stated that this section forms the backbone of the Raipur-Dhanbad Corridor, and construction work has begun. Our goal is to complete it within the stipulated timeframe. This highway will provide a new impetus to interstate connectivity and commercial transportation between Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.