TFP Bureau, Raipur, July 22, 2025: The state government has announced ambitious plans to develop Raipur and its surrounding areas into the State Capital Region (SCR), envisioned as the new growth engine for Chhattisgarh. Following the Assembly’s approval of the related bill, the SCR will include Raipur, Durg-Bhilai, and Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, and will be modeled on the lines of the National Capital Region (NCR).
Situated centrally in India, Chhattisgarh is emerging as a key hub for trade, commerce, and industry. Spearheaded by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the initiative aims to address the growing need for planned urban development, improve civic amenities, and provide a robust environment for education, healthcare, business, and transport connectivity across the region.
The combined population of cities within the SCR is projected to exceed 5 million by 2031. To manage urbanization and alleviate population pressure, the government plans to establish a dedicated Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA), akin to authorities in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
The CRDA will be chaired by the Chief Minister and include key ministers, the Chief Secretary, secretaries of relevant departments, four MLAs, four local elected representatives, and the CRDA’s Chief Executive Officer as convener. This body will oversee land use, enforce environmentally sustainable development, and coordinate investments and infrastructure projects.
A budget allocation of Rs 5 crore has been made for surveys and the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to set up the SCR office. Additionally, Rs 5 crore has been sanctioned for conducting a feasibility survey of a metro rail corridor linking Raipur and Durg.
The CRDA’s responsibilities will encompass local-level planning, economic development strategies, stakeholder coordination, and promotion of infrastructural growth. An executive committee headed by the CEO will include officials from urban development, finance, environment, and district collectors within the region.
To finance development, a Capital Region Development Fund will be created, with powers to levy special cesses for capital projects. The authority will also prepare and submit annual budgets, plans, and reports to the state government, ensuring transparent and effective governance of the rapidly growing State Capital Region.
