₹146-crore Bhoramdev Corridor project launched under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 to transform Kabirdham into a major national and international tourism hub
Published on: January 02, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
Chhattisgarh is rapidly emerging as a key driver of India’s development story, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Thursday, asserting that the state is steadily carving out a distinct identity through sustainable development, cultural preservation and tourism-led growth.
Addressing a large public gathering at the Bhoramdev Mahotsav venue in Kabirdham district, Shekhawat, along with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, performed the ceremonial bhoomipujan for the Bhoramdev Corridor Development Project. The corridor will be developed at an estimated cost of ₹146 crore under the Central Government’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0.
Calling the occasion historic for Kabirdham and the entire state, Shekhawat said Chhattisgarh is among the fastest-rising states on the country’s tourism map. “Chhattisgarh is becoming the growth engine of India’s development. With collective resolve, we will ensure that the state continues to move forward, its tourism flourishes, and its rich culture is preserved and protected, giving Chhattisgarh a unique national and global identity,” he said.
The Bhoramdev Corridor will connect the ancient Bhoramdev Temple complex with other prominent heritage and religious sites, including Madwa Mahal, Chherki Mahal, Ramchua and the Saroda reservoir. Once completed, the integrated corridor is expected to create a seamless and comprehensive tourism circuit, positioning Bhoramdev not only as a national attraction but also as a destination of international significance.
The Union Minister said the project has been envisioned on the lines of major spiritual corridors such as Ujjain and Varanasi, with a focus on infrastructure, visitor amenities, heritage conservation and cultural experience. He stressed that there should be no compromise on quality, as the project is closely linked to religious faith and cultural heritage. “This thousand-year-old temple is a priceless legacy, and through this corridor, we are ensuring its preservation for the next thousand years,” he said.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the foundation-laying ceremony as a moment of pride for the state. He announced the widening and upgradation of the road from Bhoramdev to Bodla, responding to a request by Deputy Chief Minister and local MLA Vijay Sharma. The improved road connectivity is expected to significantly enhance access for pilgrims and tourists.
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Sai said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the state government is working continuously for inclusive development. Referring to the PM Janman Yojana, he highlighted special initiatives for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups such as the Baiga community, including road connectivity, housing and healthcare. He noted that 57 mobile medical units equipped with doctors, nurses and ambulances are now providing doorstep healthcare services in remote forest areas.
The Chief Minister also underlined the government’s welfare initiatives, stating that promises made to the people of Chhattisgarh are being fulfilled. “As soon as our government was formed, housing was sanctioned for 18 lakh beneficiaries who were earlier deprived. Around 70 lakh women are receiving ₹1,000 every month directly in their bank accounts, and thousands have benefited from the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana,” he said.
Shekhawat, in his address, also spoke about the broader development trajectory of the state, noting that the elimination of Left-wing extremism has been a major turning point. He said decisive action by the state government has accelerated Chhattisgarh’s march towards peace and progress, reinforcing public confidence across the country.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma recalled that the proposal to include Bhoramdev under Swadesh Darshan was approved on the very day of the Bhoramdev Mahotsav last year, calling the commencement of work a fulfilment of that commitment. He also mentioned ongoing development of other important religious sites in the region, including the Panchmukhi Budha Mahadev Temple, where public contributions reflected deep community participation.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Tourism Minister Rajesh Agarwal, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu, Members of Parliament, MLAs, senior officials, representatives of tourism bodies, and a large number of devotees and local residents.
