TFP Bureau, Raipur, January 1, 2026: Marking an auspicious beginning to the New Year, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the ambitious Bhoramdeo Corridor Development Project at Bhoramdeo Dham in Kabirdham district. Describing the occasion as a moment of pride and good fortune for the state, the Chief Minister said starting 2026 with such a historic initiative reflects Chhattisgarh’s commitment to preserving its ancient heritage while moving decisively towards development.
The Chief Minister said the Bhoramdeo Corridor will provide a renewed identity and national recognition to Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural and spiritual legacy. The project will be developed at an estimated cost of around ₹146 crore under the Central Government’s Swadesh Darshan Yojana 2.0, on the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for their support in bringing the project to fruition.
Calling the Bhoramdeo Temple the “Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh,” Shri Sai said the site represents nearly a thousand years of spiritual devotion, architectural brilliance and cultural consciousness. “This sacred complex reflects a unique confluence of Shaivite philosophy, folk traditions and tribal beliefs. Festivals like Mahashivratri and the Kanwar Yatra during Shravan attract thousands of devotees every year, making Bhoramdeo a major spiritual and cultural centre,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that the Bhoramdeo Temple, Madwa Mahal and Chherki Mahal together form an invaluable heritage cluster of immense historical and archaeological significance. He said the corridor project will not only enhance visitor facilities and preserve these monuments for future generations, but will also create new employment and livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Highlighting the state government’s focus on tourism-led growth, Shri Sai said tourism has been accorded industry status and strengthened through a new tourism policy and homestay policy. “Expansion of road networks, improved rail connectivity and better air services are creating a strong foundation for tourism and the local economy. Over the past two years, investment proposals worth ₹7.83 lakh crore have been received, which will give fresh momentum to tourism as well as other sectors,” he added.
Addressing the gathering, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the foundation-laying ceremony was a historic moment not only for Kabirdham district but for the entire state. Extending New Year greetings, he said that in the last two years, the Chhattisgarh government has effectively translated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision into action, setting the state firmly on the path of development.
The Union Minister said Naxalism had long been the biggest obstacle to progress in the region, but decisive measures taken by the state government have significantly weakened its grip. “Chhattisgarh is now moving towards the complete elimination of Naxalism, reinforcing national confidence that forces seeking to destabilise India will not succeed,” he said, adding that strong action against terrorism under the Prime Minister’s leadership has strengthened the country’s security framework.
Shri Shekhawat said the impact of good governance is visible across India, with infrastructure development and welfare schemes related to housing, drinking water, clean cooking fuel, electricity, banking access and employment reaching people at the grassroots. He described the nearly thousand-year-old Bhoramdeo Temple as a priceless heritage asset and said the corridor project will ensure its conservation while giving Kabirdham a distinct identity on the national tourism map. Calling 2026 a year of transformation, he urged citizens to actively participate in the collective resolve to build a strong and developed India.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma said sustained efforts by Chief Minister Shri Sai led to the inclusion of the Bhoramdeo Corridor under the Swadesh Darshan Yojana, culminating in the laying of its foundation stone. He added that the government is simultaneously working on the development of other major centres of faith across the region.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Tokhan Sahu, Member of Parliament Shri Santosh Pandey, Pandariya MLA Smt Bhawana Bohra, Tourism Board Chairman Shri Neelu Sharma, Gaushala Seva Commission Chairman Shri Visheshar Patel, State Farmers Welfare Council Chairman Shri Suresh Chandravanshi, along with several other public representatives, officials and local residents, were present on the occasion.
