Bhopal: A landmark day unfolded in Madhya Pradesh as Union Minister for Transport and Highways Mr Nitin Gadkari, alongside Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, inaugurated and laid the foundation for nine new road projects in Jabalpur. These projects, spanning 174 kilometers and costing over ₹4,250 crore, mark the beginning of an unprecedented phase of infrastructure development in the state.
Major Announcements: Greenfield Highways, Tiger Corridor & More
Union Minister Gadkari announced ambitious projects worth over ₹60,000 crore, including:
A 255 km long greenfield highway between Bhopal and Jabalpur, estimated at ₹15,000 crore. The DPR will be ready by December, with construction slated to start by April-May 2026.
A 160 km greenfield corridor from Indore to Bhopal valued at ₹12,000 crore.
A 220 km four-lane high-speed corridor from Lakhnadon to Raipur (₹10,000 crore), directly linking Madhya Pradesh to the Visakhapatnam port.
Construction of a tiger corridor road connecting Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Panna, and Pench tiger reserves, costing ₹5,500 crore, boosting tourism, economic growth, and job opportunities.
Seven ropeway projects worth ₹2,100 crore are underway, enhancing transport in key locations including Ujjain and Jabalpur.
Strengthening Road Connectivity and Economic Corridors
Significant expansions include:
- Completion of 245 km of the Delhi-Mumbai expressway within Madhya Pradesh.
- Development of 5 Greenfield Economic Corridors worth ₹33,000 crore.
- 4-laning of several key routes, including Jabalpur-Dindori (200 km), Gwalior-Bhind, and Ujjain-Jhalawar roads.
- Construction of a grand bridge over the Narmada River near Omkareshwar on the Indore-Hyderabad corridor.
These projects will cut travel times drastically, e.g., Gwalior to Delhi will be reachable in just 4.5 hours, and the Bhopal-Kanpur corridor journey will reduce from 15 to 8 hours.
Focus on Sustainable & Future-ready Infrastructure
Gadkari highlighted hydrogen as the fuel of the future, stressing India’s goal to reduce fuel imports (currently ₹22 lakh crore) by becoming an energy exporter. He underscored efforts to build smart villages alongside smart cities, encouraging rural employment and sustainable development.
A Central Road Fund of ₹1,200 crore was approved for the Rani Durgavati flyover in Jabalpur— a first in India.
Ultra-modern flash-charging buses, with Tata Group’s collaboration, will soon operate in Madhya Pradesh, providing affordable, eco-friendly urban transport.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav Praises Infrastructure Leadership
Dr. Yadav lauded Union Minister Gadkari’s unwavering commitment, calling it a “miracle of management” that infrastructure projects never suffer financial shortfalls. He affirmed that a strong road network is fundamental to national progress, securing livelihoods of farmers and soldiers alike. The CM reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to modernizing connectivity for prosperity and security.
Public Works Minister & Other Leaders Echo Development Optimism
Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh highlighted the “Ganga of development” flowing in Madhya Pradesh, with record investments and innovative projects like hydrogen-powered buses. He supported the idea of a Tiger Circuit and Tiger Expressway to further tourism and conservation efforts.
Minister Prahlad Patel and Jabalpur MP Ashish Dubey praised the visionary leadership, calling today’s announcements a miracle for the region’s infrastructure and tourism potential.
Key Projects at a Glance
