From Zero Power Cuts to Free Electricity: Chhattisgarh Moves Ahead – Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Raipur, Sept 2025 : Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai today laid the foundation stone for the Joint Headquarters Building of Chhattisgarh State Power Companies at Sector-24, Nawa Raipur. The ceremony, held on the auspicious occasion of the state’s Silver Jubilee year and Ganesh Utsav, began with traditional prayers and the unveiling of a 3D model of the building.

The Chief Minister said that the new headquarters would enhance efficiency among officers and employees, strengthen coordination between the three state power companies, and provide consumers with all services under one roof. On the occasion, he also planted a Maulshree sapling under the “One Tree in Mother’s Name” campaign.

Reiterating the state’s achievements, Shri Sai said: “Chhattisgarh has moved from being a Zero Power Cut State to now progressing towards free electricity. The state’s 25-year journey is proof that when determination and sensitivity go hand in hand, the results are historic.”

He highlighted that in the year 2000, Chhattisgarh produced only 1,400 MW of power, whereas today the capacity has risen to 30,000 MW. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi recently inaugurated a new 1,320 MW plant, further strengthening this achievement. He added that this progress is the result of the trust, hard work, and participation of every citizen of the state.

Speaking about his recent visits to Japan and South Korea, the Chief Minister said that he realized Chhattisgarh is rapidly moving towards global-level infrastructure and work culture. He stressed that the Joint Headquarters Building is a significant step in that direction and instructed officials to complete its construction with quality and within the timeline, so that it becomes a new identity for the energy sector in the state.

The CM also shared that under the new industrial policy, MoUs worth about ₹3 lakh crore have been signed in the power sector, which will enable an additional 30,000 MW of power generation in the coming years. He said that this achievement will not only ensure round-the-clock power supply for people of the state but also meet the electricity needs of neighboring states. Referring to the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme launched by Prime Minister Modi, he said it has brought the state closer to providing free electricity, with its benefits now reaching even the remotest areas.

On this occasion, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his contribution to the creation of Chhattisgarh. He said that the building, being constructed at a cost of about ₹270 crore, will be based on green energy and serve as an inspiration for future generations.

The event was attended by MP Shri Brijmohan Agrawal, MLAs Shri Sunil Soni, Shri Purandar Mishra, Shri Anuj Sharma, Shri Indra Kumar Sahu, Principal Secretary to CM Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Energy Secretary Dr. Rohit Yadav, along with a large number of officers and employees.

Notably, the Joint Headquarters Building will be built on an area of 10,017 square meters in a nine-story structure. It will consist of three separate towers for the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited, Power Generation Company Limited, and Power Transmission Company Limited.

With a capacity to accommodate 1,300 employees, the building will feature a 210-seat auditorium, a gym for staff, a two-level basement parking, mechanical stack parking, and e-vehicle charging facilities. It will be constructed in compliance with BEE Five-Star and GRIHA Five-Star Green Rating standards and managed through a modern building management system.

Situated near the ministries, directorates, and police headquarters in Nawa Raipur, this state-of-the-art building will further strengthen interdepartmental coordination and take Chhattisgarh’s energy sector to new heights.