Bhopal/Indore: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav dedicated the newly constructed Atal Path in Indore to the public on the death anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He also inaugurated and performed bhoomi pujan for development works worth more than ₹60 crore.
Built at a cost of more than ₹16 crore, Atal Path connects Annapurna Road with Ring Road. CM Yadav also laid the foundation stone for a link road from Tigaria Badshah Main Road through Kushwah Nagar to Ujjain Naka-Banganga, along with other important infrastructure projects.
The Chief Minister paid tribute to Vajpayee and recalled his contribution to nation-building, good governance and public life.
Atal Path Among Seven Development Projects Worth ₹60 Crore
CM Yadav said he was particularly pleased to inaugurate Atal Path in the name of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
He said around ₹60 crore has been allocated for seven different development works, including Vajpayee’s statue and various road and infrastructure projects.
Key projects include:
- Atal Path: More than ₹16 crore
- Tigaria Badshah Main Road–Kushwah Nagar–Ujjain Naka road: Nearly ₹18 crore
- Futi Kothi Square–Sant Shri Sevalal Bridge service road: Around ₹7 crore
- Total development works: More than ₹60 crore
- Number of projects: Seven, including Vajpayee’s statue
The nearly ₹18-crore road from Tigaria Badshah Main Road through Kushwah Nagar to Ujjain Naka is expected to be particularly useful during the upcoming Simhastha.
CM Yadav Praises Indore’s Innovation and Good Governance
CM Yadav described Indore as a leading city in cleanliness, public service and good governance. He said new technology and innovation are emerging from Indore and contributing to the development of Madhya Pradesh.
He also appreciated the innovative initiatives being developed at the Indore Zoo. He said such initiatives would not put an additional financial burden on the government, as private participation is being encouraged along with government support.
Recalling Vajpayee’s connection with Indore, CM Yadav described him as an outstanding politician, writer, poet and orator who upheld the dignity of democracy.
He said Vajpayee set an example by performing the roles of both the ruling party and the Opposition with dignity. His life, conduct and approach to politics, he added, continue to provide lessons for present-day political leaders.
Government Working to Fulfil Vajpayee’s Vision
CM Yadav said former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee laid a strong foundation for a powerful and self-reliant India during his tenure.
He highlighted several initiatives associated with Vajpayee’s leadership, including:
- Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
- Golden Quadrilateral
- Strengthening India as a nuclear power
- Vision for river interlinking
The Chief Minister said Vajpayee’s vision of river interlinking is now being taken forward under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He mentioned the Ken-Betwa and Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal river-linking projects, saying they would benefit large areas of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
CM Yadav also recalled Vajpayee’s association with the arrival of Narmada water in Indore. He said Narmada water has transformed the Malwa-Nimar and Indore regions and has become an important foundation for drinking water, irrigation and industrial activities.
Indore to Get Stronger Modern Connectivity
The Chief Minister said Indore is rapidly developing as a major metropolitan city. He highlighted the Ujjain-Indore Metropolitan Region, along with development initiatives for Bhopal, Jabalpur and Gwalior.
He said Indore’s international connectivity has strengthened with international airport status and regular flights to Abu Dhabi. Additional international connectivity is expected in the future.
Several infrastructure projects are expected to boost Indore’s economic growth:
- Indore-Ujjain route strengthening
- Indore-Manmad railway project
- Direct rail connectivity between Indore and Delhi
- Indore-Pithampur Economic Corridor
- Other road, rail and metropolitan infrastructure projects
These projects are expected to generate new opportunities for investment, employment and economic activity.
Helicopter Service for Omkareshwar and Mahakaleshwar Darshan
CM Yadav said the availability of helicopter services from Indore to Omkareshwar and Mahakaleshwar is a major development for religious tourism.
Pilgrims will be able to visit both Jyotirlingas by helicopter, along with local transportation and other necessary facilities.
He said the initiative is creating a new identity for the Malwa region in terms of hospitality and tourism development.
The Chief Minister added that development works worth around ₹2,700 crore are underway in Omkareshwar. The combination of religious tourism and infrastructure development will create new economic opportunities for Indore and surrounding areas.
CM Yadav Highlights 150th Anniversary of Vande Mataram
CM Yadav also referred to programmes being organised under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.
He described Vande Mataram as a symbol of India’s freedom struggle and patriotism and recalled the sacrifices made by thousands of revolutionaries during the freedom movement.
He said maintaining respect for the national anthem and national song and preserving their dignity is the responsibility of every citizen.
During the programme:
- CM Yadav released the booklet “Jago Sanyasi Jago”
- Ladli Behna beneficiaries tied rakhi to the Chief Minister
- The importance of respecting the national anthem and national song was highlighted
Citizens Welcome CM Yadav With Flower Shower
CM Yadav travelled in an open jeep along Atal Path while greeting citizens on his way to the main stage.
Large numbers of residents gathered along both sides of the road and outside their homes to welcome the Chief Minister. Citizens showered flowers to express their appreciation for the new road and development works.
The entire route witnessed an atmosphere of enthusiasm and celebration.
Atal’s Ideology Will Guide Future Generations: Kailash Vijayvargiya
Urban Administration and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said the construction and inauguration of Atal Path was a matter of pride.
He said walking on Atal Path may be easy, but following the path shown by former Prime Minister Vajpayee would be difficult because Vajpayee gave the highest priority to national interest, principles and values throughout his public life.
Vijayvargiya recalled his experiences of travelling with Vajpayee in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. He described Vajpayee as a leader known for his wit, generosity, simplicity and concern for party workers.
He said even Opposition leaders respected Vajpayee’s personality and ideology.
Vijayvargiya said Vajpayee’s statue and Atal Path would continue to inspire future generations to follow the path of national service and public service.
