Changing the Landscape Through Roads and Bridges: Remote Villages Join the Mainstream

Development gains momentum as the light of progress reaches far-flung areas

Raipur, February 2026 : With the construction of roads and bridges, the paths to development and prosperity are now clearly visible. By prioritizing the connectivity of interior and remote regions with main routes, the government has approved large-scale construction of roads, bridges, and culverts. Areas that once faced severe transportation challenges now enjoy year-round connectivity. Daily life has become easier for residents, and development activities have gained fresh momentum.

Over the past two years, Kanker district has seen the completion of 15 bridges at a cost of ₹61.5 crore. These bridges have provided direct and all-weather connectivity for nearly 100 villages and around 80,000 people with block, tehsil, and district headquarters. Access to education, healthcare, trade, and tourism facilities has become much smoother, and government welfare schemes are now reaching villages more quickly and effectively.

A major example of this transformation is the high-level bridge constructed over the Mendhki River on the Aturbeda–Bhaisgaon–Ninna road, built under challenging conditions. This bridge has significantly eased travel for people in remote areas and strengthened administrative outreach. The expansion of the road and bridge network has not only accelerated development works but has also reinforced governance in areas previously affected by Left-wing extremism.

The strengthening of road and bridge infrastructure is continuing at a steady pace. Over the last two years, nine new major bridges have been approved in Kanker district at a cost of ₹85 crore, aimed at connecting every corner of the district with state highways, national highways, and block, tehsil, and district headquarters. Rajendra Sonkar, Executive Engineer of the Bridge Construction Division of the Public Works Department, said that a bridge approved over the Mahanadi River on the Basanwahi–Tanhkapar route, costing ₹28 crore, will be highly significant for the convenience of thousands of villagers and for tourism development. Meanwhile, construction of a ₹15.5 crore bridge over the Kotri River at Bechaghat on the Sonpur–Marora route is underway. Once completed, it will establish direct connectivity with the Maoist-affected Mad region.

The state government is working with firm commitment to enhance public convenience through strong road and bridge infrastructure and to carry the light of development to inaccessible and remote areas. The bridges being built in Kanker are not merely concrete structures; they represent steps toward better education, healthcare, employment, and security. Once completed, these projects will bring both direct and indirect benefits to the district’s remote villages, further accelerating the pace of development.