Bridge Construction Accelerates Development in Remote Areas

Raipur, Dec 2025 : Bridges being constructed in Bastar are emerging as vital links for development and prosperity. In remote areas affected by Naxal activities, these bridge projects have significantly accelerated the pace of local development. In the aspirational district of Kanker, the rapid completion of bridges over the past three years has become a lifeline for residents of far-flung regions, facilitating access to education, trade, tourism, socio-cultural interactions, healthcare, and government schemes. These developments have also contributed to curbing Naxal activities while boosting regional growth.

In Kanker district, 20 bridges worth ₹101.16 crore have been completed over the last three years, connecting approximately 160 villages and providing year-round road access to 80,000 people from development blocks, tehsils, and the district headquarters. Despite challenges in Naxal-affected areas, major high-level bridges have been completed under difficult conditions, including a bridge over the Kotri River on the Michgaon-Kodekurse route at KM 16/2 costing ₹9.35 crore, and another over the Mendhki River on the Aturbeda-Bhainsgaon-Nibra route at KM 4/2 costing ₹9.57 crore.

Currently, 12 large bridges with a total cost of ₹60 crore are under construction, while five major bridges worth ₹30 crore are at the tendering stage and will commence soon. These projects are expected to benefit over 68,000 people across 136 villages. Significant ongoing projects include a ₹19 crore bridge over the Kotri River on the Chhotebethia-Marbeda-Sitaram route and a ₹10.28 crore bridge over the Mendhki River on the Koilibeda-Duta route. Additionally, approval for a proposed bridge on the Sonpur-Maroda (Bechaghat) route is in its final stages, which will establish direct connectivity from the Mard region.

In the Narharpur development block, the Banspattar-Tiriyarpani route has five approved large bridges, one of which has already been completed, with the remaining four scheduled for completion by March 2026. Similarly, two bridges on the Lendara-Thema route have been completed, establishing permanent connectivity with Vishrampuri-Baderajpur development block of Kondagaon district, opening up rapid development opportunities for previously isolated areas.

To ensure year-round connectivity from every corner of Kanker to state and national highways, development blocks, tehsils, and the district headquarters, the state government has included proposals for 36 new bridge projects in the budget at a total cost of around ₹250 crore. Additionally, proposals for 25 new bridges worth ₹154 crore are being submitted for approval in the upcoming budget. Once completed, these bridges will significantly enhance accessibility for residents traveling to the district headquarters and the state capital.