Bhopal: Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that rapidly expanding road infrastructure will play a key role in driving development across the state, particularly strengthening the emerging metro regions of Bhopal and the Indore–Ujjain corridor.
Chairing a review meeting of the Public Works Department (PWD) in Bhopal, the Chief Minister said these infrastructure projects are already beginning to deliver direct economic benefits and will further transform regional connectivity in the coming years.
Focus on Bhopal and Indore–Ujjain Metro Growth Corridors
Dr. Yadav said that both Bhopal and the Indore–Ujjain metropolitan regions are witnessing accelerated development due to new highways, expressways, and ring roads.
He added that future metropolitan expansion will also include cities like Jabalpur and Gwalior, supported by planned infrastructure upgrades.
Key ongoing projects include:
- Indore–Ujjain six-lane highway
- Ujjain–Jaora greenfield four-lane highway
- Indore–Ujjain greenfield four-lane corridor
These projects are expected to significantly improve regional trade, mobility, and urban growth.
Strict Deadline Before Simhastha 2028
The Chief Minister directed officials to complete all major road construction projects before the upcoming Simhastha 2028 event in Ujjain.
He emphasized that public convenience must be prioritized and instructed timely completion of ring roads and major connectivity corridors.
Massive Expansion of Ring Roads Across Cities
During the review meeting, officials informed that several ring road projects are underway across the state:
- Western Bhopal bypass (35.6 km) targeted for completion in 2.5 years
- Ring roads in Jabalpur, Gwalior, and Ujjain to be completed within 1.5 years
- New ring roads planned for cities including Ratlam, Dewas, Sagar, Satna, Rewa, and Katni
The government is also converting existing bypass roads into ring roads in coordination with urban agencies.
Road Safety and Accident Reduction Measures Strengthened
Dr. Yadav highlighted the government’s efforts to reduce road accidents through innovative safety measures.
He suggested distributing helmets to farmers transporting goods and improving emergency response systems near accident-prone zones.
Current safety initiatives include:
- Identification of 481 black spots across the state
- Speed control zones in school areas
- Improved road signage and lane markings
- Roadside first-aid centres near high-risk stretches
The Chief Minister stressed inter-departmental coordination to save lives and reduce road fatalities.
Tech-Driven Innovation in Road Planning and Approval System
The Chief Minister reviewed new innovations in project approval and planning, including:
- Technical verification by chief engineers before approvals
- Traffic density and future demand analysis
- GIS-based planning systems
- Integration with PM Gati Shakti Portal
- Multimodal transport connectivity planning
- Mandatory field inspections before execution
Officials said these reforms have improved efficiency and project quality significantly.
Expansion of ROBs, RUBs and Elevated Corridors
Madhya Pradesh is among the leading states in constructing railway overbridges (ROBs) and underpasses (RUBs), aimed at improving safety and reducing traffic congestion.
Key developments include:
- 105 ROBs built by PWD
- Additional ROBs approved under state and national agencies
- Elevated corridors improving urban mobility
Progress in major cities:
- Jabalpur elevated corridor completed
- Bhopal and Gwalior three-quarters complete
- Indore and Ujjain projects underway
Mega “Vikas Paths” and Expressways Under Construction
The state is also developing six major “Vikas Paths” to strengthen regional connectivity:
- Narmada Vikas Path – 68% complete
- Malwa-Nimar Vikas Path – 92% complete
- Madhya Bharat Vikas Path – 61% complete
- Bundelkhand Vikas Path – 33% complete
- Vindhya Expressway – work started
- Atal Vikas Path – under planning stage
Officials said these projects will significantly boost economic corridors across Madhya Pradesh.
Major Highway Projects Accelerating Urban Growth
The Public Works Department also shared updates on major highway upgrades, including:
- Indore–Ujjain State Highway 59 upgraded to six lanes
- Ujjain–Jaora four-lane highway
- Indore–Ujjain four-lane highway
- Western Bhopal bypass development
- Sagar–Damoh four-lane road
- Barwah–Dhamnod four-lane corridor
These projects are designed to improve inter-city travel and strengthen logistics networks.
Vision for a Modern and Connected Madhya Pradesh
Dr. Mohan Yadav said that modern road infrastructure is essential for economic transformation and improving citizens’ quality of life.
He emphasized that better connectivity will directly benefit agriculture, industry, tourism, and urban development, especially in rapidly growing metro regions.
The Chief Minister reiterated that infrastructure development will remain a top priority for the state government, ensuring balanced growth across urban and rural Madhya Pradesh.
