Raipur
In a significant move to improve connectivity in Chhattisgarh’s tribal heartland, the Centre has approved the construction of an 11.38-kilometre-long four-lane Keskal Bypass in Kondagaon district, at a cost of ₹307.96 crore. This development comes as a welcome step for the people of the Bastar region, long known for its challenging terrain and limited infrastructure.
Announcing the approval on social media, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, shared that the bypass will be built to paved shoulder standards on National Highway-43 (new NH-30) to facilitate smoother and safer travel through the difficult Keskal Ghati section.
Reacting to the announcement, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Union government on behalf of the people of the state — especially the residents of Bastar. He called the project a “decisive step” towards the development of the tribal region, made possible by the coordinated development approach of the “double-engine” government at the Centre and State.
“This bypass will eliminate traffic bottlenecks in the Keskal valley, ensuring smooth, safe, and uninterrupted travel,” said CM Sai. “It is a concrete step towards mainstreaming Bastar and connecting it with the rest of the country.” He lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Gadkari for their visionary leadership in accelerating growth in the region.
For decades, residents of Bastar have faced difficulties in accessing basic services and travelling between regions due to the treacherous Keskal Ghati stretch. Drivers often had to navigate narrow roads, steep inclines, and frequent traffic jams, resulting in delays, accidents, and rising vehicle emissions.
With the construction of this modern bypass, the narrative is set to change.
Once completed, the bypass will not only provide an alternative route that shortens travel time and enhances safety, but also reduce vehicular congestion in urban pockets, lowering accident risks and air pollution levels. This infrastructural upgrade is expected to open up new opportunities for trade, tourism, and employment in one of the most culturally rich yet underserved regions of India.
The Keskal Bypass represents more than a road — it is a symbol of inclusion, linking remote tribal communities to mainstream development while respecting the ecological balance of the region. It promises a future where travel is no longer a hardship but a bridge to progress.
As the wheels of development turn faster in Bastar, the Keskal Bypass stands as a testament to what coordinated governance and people-first planning can achieve.
