Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a visit to Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on Thursday (September 14), where he will inaugurate a series of development initiatives in both states. According to a statement from his office, PM Modi will commence his visit by laying the foundation stone for projects worth over Rs 50,700 crore in Madhya Pradesh, with the event taking place in Bina.
Among the projects to be inaugurated in Madhya Pradesh is a petrochemical complex at the Bina refinery, along with ten new industrial projects spread across the state. Later, he will travel to neighbouring Chhattisgarh to inaugurate critical rail sector projects valued at approximately Rs 6,350 crore. It is worth noting that both Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are due to hold assembly elections in November-December, the statement said.
During the visit, the statement revealed that the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for critical care blocks in nine districts of Chhattisgarh and distribute one lakh sickle cell counselling cards, it said.
The statement highlighted that the new projects in Madhya Pradesh will significantly boost industrial development within the state.
As per the statement, the state-of-the-art Bina refinery, to be developed at a cost of about Rs 49,000 crore by the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, is expected to produce approximately 1,200 Kilo-Tonnes Per Annum (KTPA) of ethylene and propylene. These are vital components for various sectors, including textiles, packaging, and pharmaceuticals. This initiative aligns with the Prime Minister's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and will reduce India's reliance on imports.
Furthermore, the mega project is anticipated to generate employment opportunities and stimulate the growth of downstream industries in the petroleum sector.
Modi will also lay the groundwork for ten additional projects during his visit, including a power and renewable energy manufacturing zone in Narmadapuram district, two IT parks in Indore, a mega industrial park in Ratlam, and six new industrial areas across Madhya Pradesh, it said.
Modi's focus on enhancing national connectivity will receive a significant boost with the inauguration of crucial rail sector projects in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. These projects encompass the Chhattisgarh East Rail Project Phase-I, the third rail line between Champa to Jamga, the third rail line between Pendra Road to Anuppur, and the MGR (Merry-Go-Round) system connecting Talaipalli Coal Mine to NTPC Lara Super Thermal Power Station (STPS).
These rail projects will not only enhance passenger and freight movement but also contribute to socioeconomic development in the region.
The Chhattisgarh East Rail Project Phase-I is a key component of the PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, comprising a 124.8 km rail line from Kharsia to Dharamjaygarh, including a spur line to Gare-Pelma and three feeder lines connecting Chhal, Baroud, Durgapur, and other coal mines, according to the statement. The rail line, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 3,055 crore, features electrified broad gauge level crossings, a free part double line with passenger amenities, and will facilitate coal transportation from the Mand-Raigarh coalfields in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh.
In addition, to address sickle cell disease-related health issues, particularly among tribal populations, Modi will distribute one lakh sickle cell counselling cards to the screened population. This distribution is part of the Prime Minister's National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSAEM), which was launched in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, in July 2023, it said.