TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 19, 2025: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is not only building modern roads across Chhattisgarh but is also creating green corridors that are adding a new dimension to the state’s infrastructure development. Under the nationwide initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0,” more than 2.71 lakh trees have been planted along national highways in Chhattisgarh during the current financial year. This achievement marks a significant step in combining connectivity with environmental sustainability.
Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai praised the initiative, calling it a model of progress balanced with responsibility. He said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the campaign is shaping Chhattisgarh’s highways into lifelines that provide not only faster connectivity but also cleaner air and shaded roads. According to him, the planting of over 2.71 lakh trees reflects the government’s determination to create a legacy of green development for future generations. He added that the initiative would place Chhattisgarh among the leading states that are successfully blending transport infrastructure with environmental preservation.
Detailed data released by NHAI shows that the campaign has already exceeded its plantation target for the year. The Raipur–Visakhapatnam project (NH-130CD) accounted for the largest share with 97,145 saplings. Along the Maharashtra border–Durg–Raipur–Odisha border route (NH-53), 46,141 saplings were planted. The Champa–Korba–Katghora section (NH-149B) saw 23,020 saplings, while the Bilaspur–Katghora stretch (NH-130) had 16,847. Similarly, 14,400 saplings were planted along Bilaspur–Urga–Pathalgaon (NH-130A), and 5,406 along the Simga–Raipur–Dhamtari route (NH-30).
The plantation drive included both avenue plantations on the sides of highways and median plantations on dividers. NHAI has focused on a mix of shady and fruit-bearing trees to maximize ecological benefits. Many of the saplings will, over time, provide shade to travelers, reduce roadside dust, lower surface temperatures, and contribute to biodiversity. Importantly, the campaign has also prioritized the replacement of damaged or lost saplings from previous years. Replanting was carried out at 68,297 locations to ensure that earlier efforts were not wasted and that the tree cover continues to expand.
Pradeep Kumar Lal, Regional Officer of NHAI Raipur, emphasized that “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” goes far beyond conventional plantation drives. He said the campaign is an investment in the future, one that combines the mission of building roads with the larger vision of creating healthier surroundings. According to him, NHAI has planted 2,02,959 new saplings this year while also undertaking replanting at over 68,000 locations, making a total of 2,71,253 trees planted in Chhattisgarh by mid-September.
Officials note that the initiative is already improving the visual appeal of national highways, creating natural green belts that enhance both the travel experience and the local ecosystem. Over the coming years, as the trees mature, these highways are expected to evolve into true green corridors, offering shelter, absorbing carbon emissions, and promoting balance between development and the environment.
The Chhattisgarh plantation record has placed the state on the map as a leader in green highway development. With thousands of kilometers of highways already under construction or planned, the continuation of this initiative promises not only smoother connectivity but also a lasting contribution to climate resilience and ecological well-being.
