Chhattisgarh National Highways Turning into Green Corridors: NHAI Plants 2.71 Lakh Saplings This Year

Raipur, Sept 2025 : Under the campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is not only expanding the road network but also transforming highways into green corridors by planting trees along road edges and dividers. This year, NHAI has set a new milestone by planting over 2.71 lakh saplings across Chhattisgarh’s national highways.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this campaign is giving new direction to greenery, cleanliness, and environmental protection in Chhattisgarh. The plantation of more than 2.71 lakh saplings proves that highway construction is not just about infrastructure growth but also about a commitment to clean air and green life for future generations. He emphasized that this initiative will make Chhattisgarh a leading state not only in road connectivity but also in environmental balance.

Remarkably, NHAI has exceeded its set targets for plantation in the state. The highest number of 97,145 saplings were planted under the Raipur–Visakhapatnam (NH-130CD) project. Other major stretches include Maharashtra Border–Durg–Raipur–Odisha Border (NH-53) with 46,141 saplings, Champa–Korba–Katghora (NH-149B) with 23,020, Bilaspur–Katghora (NH-130) with 16,847, Bilaspur–Urga–Pathalgaon (NH-130A) with 14,400, and Simga–Raipur–Dhamtari (NH-30) with 5,406 saplings.

Plantations have been carried out as median plantations on dividers and avenue plantations along highways, including large fruit-bearing and shade-giving trees. Additionally, 68,297 old damaged saplings were replaced. As of September 15, 2025, a total of 2,71,253 saplings have been planted in the current financial year (2025–26).

NHAI Raipur Regional Officer Pradeep Kumar Lal stated that “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” is not just a tree plantation drive but an investment for future generations. The aim is to build not just highways but also a healthy and beautiful environment.