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From Red Terror to Roads: How PMGSY Transformed Chhattisgarh's Manpur

The remote, forested region of Manpur in Chhattisgarh, long plagued by Naxalite violence, is undergoing a transformation due to a new network of roads built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Villagers report that the roads have ended their constant fear, drastically improved connectivity to hospitals and markets, and brought peace to the area. Local authorities confirm rapid construction of roads, bridges, and culverts is accelerating rural development. For the 2025-26 fiscal year, ₹12.4 crore has been sanctioned to renovate approximately 50 km of roads in the district.

Key Points: PMGSY Roads End Naxal Fear, Transform Chhattisgarh's Manpur

  • PMGSY roads end Naxalite fear
  • Connects remote forest villages
  • Villagers express gratitude to PM
  • ₹12.4 cr sanctioned for more work
  • Eases access to hospitals and markets
3 min read

Chhattisgarh: Manpur, once epicentre of red terror, gets network of roads under PMGSY​

Manpur, once a Naxalite stronghold, sees peace & development with new road network under PMGSY, improving connectivity & villagers' lives.

"Now, Modiji has ensured that a road is built in our village... we no longer face any such issues. - Villager Shiv Kumar"

Raipur, March 24

The forest-clad regions of Manpur in Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh district of Chhattisgarh lived under the shadow of fear caused by 'red terror' for many years; however, the network of roads built here over the past few years has changed the face of the region, besides bringing the cycle of violence to an end.​

The credit for notable change largely goes to the Centre's Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) under which an intricate network of roads has been built in the region, spanning forest areas.​

Previously, villagers had to rely on footpaths to reach the district headquarters, but now the road network has brought a drastic change to the city's landscape, significantly improving its connectivity.​

The roads constructed under PMGSY have brought positive change in the lives of the villagers. As a result, connectivity has vastly improved in the villages within the district's forest zones - a development for which the villagers are expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister.​

Villager Shiv Kumar, speaking to IANS, said, "Previously, there were no roads in our village. Whenever a villager fell ill, we had difficulty reaching the hospital. Now, Modiji has ensured that a road is built in our village. If any villager falls ill today, we can easily reach the hospital without facing any difficulties. Since our village borders the forests, we used to live in constant fear of Naxalites, but now that the road has been constructed, we no longer face any such issues. All of this has been made possible solely because of the Prime Minister."​

Another villager stated, "A road has been constructed in our village under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Before this, due to the lack of a proper road, we had to rely on narrow footpaths to reach the district headquarters. Vehicles often broke down midway, causing us significant hardship. Now that the road is complete, commuting has become incredibly convenient for us."​

A young villager, Chetan, speaking to IANS, said, "Previously, the access route to our village was in a deplorable condition. The situation has changed dramatically now. We no longer face any difficulties and can travel anywhere with ease. All of this has been made possible because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."​

District Collector Tulika Prajapati said that construction of roads, bridges, and culverts in the district is progressing rapidly, and this is expected to accelerate development and connectivity in rural areas.​

Currently, the construction of numerous roads, bridges, and culverts is underway across the district. For the 2025-26 fiscal year, a sum of ₹1,240 lakhs has been sanctioned for the renovation of approximately 50 km of roads, and the work for these projects is already in progress.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While infrastructure development is crucial, I hope the article also highlights the efforts of local administration and ground-level workers. It's a collective effort. The focus should remain on sustainable development that truly empowers the villagers in the long run, not just during an election cycle.
A
Aman W
Jai Hind! Connectivity is the first step towards defeating any kind of terror. When the government reaches you, the fear of anti-national elements reduces. PMGSY is a brilliant scheme. Hope to see more such stories from other affected regions like Bastar.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in rural development, this is heartening to read. The link between physical infrastructure and a reduction in violence is well-documented. Roads bring security forces, but more importantly, they bring hope and a sense of belonging to the mainstream. Well done.
K
Karthik V
Good news, but the proof will be in the maintenance. Many rural roads get washed away in the monsoon. I hope the allocated ₹1,240 lakhs includes a robust plan for upkeep. Development is not a one-time event; it's a continuous process.
M
Meera T
This brings tears to my eyes. Imagine not being able to take a sick child to the hospital because there's no road. Basic dignity. Thank you to everyone involved. This is what 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' should look like on the ground. God bless.

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