In one such initiative, the Chhattisgarh government has approved a 21.5 km road project to connect the conflict-affected Abujhmarh region in Narayanpur district directly to Maharashtra. The project, valued at Rs 1.52 billion, will be executed in three phases.
Designed as a two-lane paved shoulder road, the project will ensure all-weather connectivity through dense forest terrain. It will establish a direct link between Kutul in Abujhmarh and Neelangur, situated on the Maharashtra border, cutting through one of the most remote Maoist-affected belts.
The new section will form part of the 195 km-long NH-130D, a branch of National Highway 30, which begins at Kondagaon and passes through Narayanpur and Kutul before entering Maharashtra. The route will continue via Bingunda, Laher, Dhodrai, Bhamragarh, Hema, and Lakasa, eventually connecting to NH-353D at Alapalli.
Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) confirmed that the tendering process has been completed, and the Chief Engineer (National Highways Zone), Raipur, has been instructed to finalise the agreement with the lowest bidder.
The development marks a major milestone in bringing modern infrastructure and economic integration to a region that has long remained isolated due to insurgency. Once completed, the new route will not only boost connectivity and trade but also enhance security mobility and access to government services in central India’s most inaccessible areas.