Archive · 24 Jan 2026
Highways Transforming Bastar's Maoist-Affected Regions
In the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, new highways are being built where there was once a lot of fighting between the government and a group called the Maoists.
These roads are changing people's lives by making it easier to get to schools, hospitals, and markets.
Workers are building the roads, and soldiers are there to keep them safe.
Some people are happy because they can now get government help and build better homes.
But others are worried because the forests are being cut down, and they fear losing their land.
The government hopes to finish all the roads by 2026, which might help end the fighting and bring more peace to the area.
Highways in Bastar are being built to improve connectivity and counter Maoist influence, with a target completion date of March 2026.
The roads are transforming lives by providing access to schools, hospitals, and markets, and enabling government schemes to reach remote villages.
Security forces are present along the highways to protect workers and ensure construction progress, as the area was previously a Maoist stronghold.
While the roads bring economic opportunities and improved infrastructure, there are concerns about deforestation and loss of traditional livelihoods.
Local residents have mixed feelings about the changes, with some appreciating the new opportunities and others worrying about the environmental and social impacts.
- Who
- Residents of Bastar, including tribals, government officials, security forces, and construction workers
- What
- Construction of highways in Maoist-affected regions of Bastar
- When
- Projects sanctioned in 2010, with accelerated progress in 2024
- Where
- Narayanpur, Bijapur, Dantewada districts of Chhattisgarh
- Why
- To improve connectivity, boost economic activity, and counter Maoist influence
- Region
- Bastar, Chhattisgarh
- Key Highways
- Narayanpur-Sonpur-Moroda, Bijapur-Avapalli-Basaguda-Jagargunda, Dornapal-Chintalnar-Jagargunda
- Completion Target
- March 2026
- Security Measures
- CRPF and BSF camps along highways
- Economic Impact
- Increased market activity and connectivity
- Social Impact
- Access to schools, hospitals, and government schemes
- Environmental Concern
- Deforestation and land use changes
- Historical Context
- Maoist insurgency and state response