Infrastructure

Since its creation in 2000, the state has laid particular emphasis on improving social infrastructure through a focus on poverty alleviation and rural development.

Chhattisgarh has a population of over 20.8 million (Census 2001). Its population density stands at 154 persons per sq km, much lower than the all India-average of 324 persons per sq km. Population growth rate in Chhattisgarh stood at 18 per cent during 1991-2001, lower than the national growth rate of 21.3 per cent during the same period.

Chhattisgarh's social performance (as measured through the Human Development Index in 2001) shows that certain parts of the state (Durg (0.62), Raipur (0.56) and Korba (0.56)) have a relatively well-developed social infrastructure as compared to other districts in the state. This may be attributed to industrialisation and better infrastructure network in these regions.

The state has done well in terms of literacy, which increased from 43 per cent in 1991 to over 65 per cent in 2001. Chhattisgarh's education network consists of 4 universities, 116 colleges, over 31,600 primary and 8,930 secondary schools. Its college network includes 12 engineering colleges, with an annual intake of over 3,300 students, 69 technical training institutes and 2 medical colleges that offer 200 seats.This strong network of training institutes provides a pool of qualified professionals to businesses and industries located in the state.

The state's network of health facilities comprises 27 hospitals, 23 dispensaries, 631 primary and community health centres and 3,818 sub-primary centres.

Access infrastructure

Chhattisgarh is a land locked state that is surrounded by six Indian states - Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. This makes its geographic location strategic. By developing its infrastructure the state can use its geographic location to develop a logistics and warehousing network to service the region.

The total length of roads in Chhattisgarh stands at over 35,388 km.The state has 24,236 km of surfaced roads. Chhattisgarh's road density stands at 26.2 km per 100 sq km.The total length of national highways passing through the state is 1,827 km. National Highway 6, which connects the west to the east, passes through some of the most industrialised areas of the state.

To meet state's growing transport requirements, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is planning to develop five national highway projects aggregating 450 km through private sector participation.The state's highway network is being upgraded with funding from the Asian Development Bank.The project envisages improving 1,700 km of state roads by 2009 with an investment of US$ 286 million. Another five projects aggregating US$ 50 million of private investment are in various stages of implementation in the state.

The existing industrial areas, industrial parks, export zones etc. and those to be set up in future, will be connected by excellent roads with the national / state highways and important railway stations.

Given the significant presence of mineral-based industries in the state, availability of efficient railway links is critical. Currently, the total railway network in Chhattisgarh is 1,180 km. Of this, almost 861 km is electrified track.

All necessary efforts will be made and steps taken for early commencement of work on Dalli-Rajhara-Raoghat-Jagdalpur rail line project.

Recognising the potential for mining and metal industry related traffic in the state, the Indian Railways has established a new zone named South-East Central Railway with its headquarters at Bilaspur. Indian Railways is also implementing projects for new railway lines in the state aggregating 235 km at a cost of approximately US$ 80 million.

Expansion and capacity augmentation of the railway network in Chhattisgarh will provide impetus to movement of goods within and outside the state. It will also improve Chhattisgarh's integration with the national railway system and enhance the competitiveness of industries located in Chhattisgarh's hinterland.

Chhattisgarh has one airport in Raipur, the state capital. Rapiur is connected by air to New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata etc.The state does have smaller airports / air strips helipads at a number of locations including Raigarh,Jashpur,Ambikapur, Bilaspur, Korba, Sarangarh,Jagdalpur, Bhilai etc.

Both domestic and foreign capital and public private partnership will be encouraged in the basic infrastructure projects. For this purpose, apart from the State Government implementing projects from its own resources, projects based on "BOT","BOOT" etc. will be permitted.

Source: Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board

Electricity consumption in Chhattisgarh increased from 2,977 million units (MU) in 1996-97 to over 3,540 MU in 2001-02, thus indicating a compounded annual growth rate of 3 per cent. On a per capita basis, electricity consumption in Chhattisgarh stands at 284 kWh per annum. Industry represents the largest consumer category, followed by domestic and agriculture consumers.

Source: Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board

To meet the country's growing power requirements, the state government is planning and implementing several power projects with capacities aggregating 11,969 MW.The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board (CSEB) plans to add another 2,000 MW capacity by 2007.

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) is expanding its presence in the state through construction of 2,980 MW plant at Sipat with an investment of US$ 1,800 million. Jindal Power is implementing a 1,000 MW electricity generation project at Raigarh.The first phase of 500 MW shall cost US$ 500 million and is expected to be complete by 2007.The Lanco Group is setting up a 250 MW coal based project at Pathadi in Korba district. The plant is expected to be commissioned by 2007.

The state proposes to make special efforts for the supply of uninterrupted and quality power to industries by the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board To meet the requirement of power by industries, incentives will be given for captive power generation.

Source: Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board

The number of fixed wire telephone subscribers in the state increased from 0.23 million in 2001 to 0.27 million in 2002. All districts in the state are linked with optical fibre cable and all district centres having internet facilities. Cellular mobile telephony has gained considerable ground in the state with the presence of private cellular players such as Reliance, Birla AT&T and Airtel.

Source: Chhattisgarh at a Glance, 2002 & 2003, Directorate of Economics & Statistics

Chhattisgarh has several industrial parks / growth centres, which act as hubs of industrial development in the state.These include industrial parks in Bhilai, Korba, Borai in Durg, Urla in Raipur city, Siltara, Sirgitti in Bilaspur, among others.

These industrial estates are close to major cities and provide basic physical and social infrastructure facilities to industrial units. The Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation (CSIDC) manages these industrial estates.The state government has also set up a software technology park in Bhilai and another is being established at Korba.

For planning and development of basic infrastructure for new industries, initiative will be taken for preparation of an "Industrial Zoning Atlas". Development of private industrial areas will also be encouraged.The state plans to adopt cluster approach for setting up of new industries and suitable areas will be identified for development of herbal park, food park, aluminium park, metal park, cycle complex, apparel park, IT park, gem and jewelery park etc.

Provision of roads, water supply, power supply and other common facilities, their up-gradation and maintenance will be taken up from the State's own resources and through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).The SPVs will be set up under the industrial infrastructure up-gradation scheme of the Government of India.

To promote exports from the State, efforts will be made to set up "special economic zone", "agro export zone" and "air cargo complex". Efforts will also be made for upgradation of facilities in the existing "inland container depot". A dry port has been established at Urla in Raipur city, to facilitate movement of international trade cargo from the state.

Some of the infrastructure investment being planned in the state are:

• A second dry port to be established by the Container Corporation of India

• An industrial park on 750 acres of land at Raigarh with an investment of US$ 8 million to be developed byJindal Steel and Power

• A new capital city, with an investment of US$ 1 billion.The concept plan for the city covering over 7000 hectares has been finalised and it will be implemented over three phases.

Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation (CSIDC) has developed various Industrial Growth Centres & Industrial Areas namely Urla, Sarora, Bhanpuri, Rawabhata, Siltara in Raipur, Borai in Durg and Sirgitti,Tifra, Rani durgawati in Bilaspur.

Key industrial centres

Raipur region

Durg-Bhilai region

Bilaspur region

The Sirgitti Industrial Growth Centre spread over 338 hectares is located in this region. Bilaspur is also the divisional headquarters for South Eastern Central Railways. Bilaspur's railway division is one of the most profitable in India, contributing about 17 per cent of the revenues of the Indian Railways.

Korba region

Major industries present in the region include mining (coal and bauxite), electricity generation and aluminum production.

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