PM in Chhattisgarh: 'Bhilai steel plant will now help in developing new India', says Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Chhattisgarh on Thursday to dedicate the modernised and expanded Bhilai Steel Plant to the nation. On the occasion, the PM also addressed a public meeting.

Addressing the rally, Modi said,'Bhilai did not only make steel, but also lives and society and the country. This new modern steel plant will now help develop new India.''

''Earlier where there were no roads, now airports are being constructed along with roads. Naya Raipur has become the country's first greenfield smart city. Water, electricity, street lights, sewage, transport and security of the city all will be managed from this centre. This will be an example for smart cities across the country,'' he said.

Earlier in the day, Modi dedicated the modernized and expanded Bhilai Steel Plant, to the nation. The modernization includes installation of cutting-edge technologies for improvement in productivity, yield, quality, cost competitiveness, energy efficiency and environmental protection.

Modi will also distribute laptops, certificates and cheques to beneficiaries under various schemes.

During the same event, Modi will lay the foundation stone for the permanent campus of IIT Bhilai. He will unveil also a plaque to mark the commencement of phase-2 of BharatNet. The BharatNet project envisages connecting Gram Panchayats with the underground optical fibre network.

Before arriving in Bhilai, the Prime Minister will visit Naya Raipur Smart City, where he will inaugurate the Integrated Command and Control Centre for the city.