Ujjain–Jaora: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on July 10 laid the foundation stone for the ambitious Ujjain–Jaora 4-Lane Greenfield Highway Project at Nagda in Ujjain district. The project, being developed by the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC), will be built at an estimated cost of ₹5,017 crore and is expected to significantly transform road connectivity, industrial growth, and economic development across the Malwa region.
The 98.73-kilometre four-lane corridor will provide direct and faster connectivity between Ujjain and the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, benefiting approximately 3.5 million people across 62 villages. The project is also expected to play a crucial role in facilitating smooth transportation during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028, when millions of devotees are expected to visit Ujjain.
Major Highlights of the Ujjain–Jaora Greenfield Highway
The new corridor will pass through the assembly constituencies of:
- Ujjain South
- Ghatiya
- Nagda-Khachrod
- Alot
- Jaora
The highway is expected to become one of Madhya Pradesh’s most significant infrastructure projects by improving regional connectivity while accelerating industrial, commercial, and agricultural development.
According to the project details, the corridor will include:
- 98.73 km Greenfield Four-Lane Highway
- 3 Railway Over Bridges (ROBs)
- 7 Flyovers
- 8–9 Major Bridges
- 22–26 Medium Bridges
- 36 Underpasses
- 2 Overpasses
- More than 400 culverts
The project is targeted for completion by December 2027, well ahead of the Simhastha festival in 2028.
Direct Link to Delhi–Mumbai Expressway
One of the biggest advantages of the project is that it will provide Ujjain with direct access to the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway.
This improved connectivity is expected to:
- Reduce travel time significantly
- Improve freight movement
- Enhance logistics and trade
- Encourage industrial investment
- Promote tourism across the Malwa region
The corridor is expected to become a major transport backbone connecting western Madhya Pradesh with national economic corridors.
Massive Boost for Simhastha Kumbh 2028
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav described the highway as a “game changer” for Simhastha 2028, saying it would prove to be “icing on the cake” for preparations.
The state government estimates that 30 to 40 crore pilgrims may visit Ujjain during Simhastha. The new four-lane highway will improve traffic management and ensure safer and faster movement for devotees arriving from Rajasthan, Gujarat and various parts of India.
The government is also developing nearly 30 kilometres of bathing ghats along the Shipra River to accommodate the expected influx of pilgrims.
CM Mohan Yadav Highlights Infrastructure Vision
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said India is progressing rapidly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and highlighted several infrastructure achievements across the country.
He said Madhya Pradesh is witnessing unprecedented development through improved road infrastructure, industrial expansion, and metropolitan planning.
According to the Chief Minister, the government has planned two major metropolitan regions:
- Indore–Ujjain–Ratlam Metropolitan Region (including Dhar, Dewas and Shajapur)
- Bhopal Metropolitan Region (covering Raisen, Sehore, Narmadapuram, Vidisha and Ashta)
He also announced that similar metropolitan regions will be developed in Jabalpur and Gwalior in the future.
Investment and Employment Growth in Madhya Pradesh
Dr. Yadav said Madhya Pradesh has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing investment destinations.
He stated that:
- Investment proposals worth ₹30 lakh crore were received during the Global Investors Summit.
- Projects worth approximately ₹10 lakh crore have already reached the implementation stage.
- Major industrial investments are taking place in Pithampur, Vikram Udyogpuri, Shivpuri and Guna.
- Madhya Pradesh is witnessing the establishment of the highest number of cement plants in the country.
The Chief Minister added that industrialisation and infrastructure development have been integrated into the state’s broader development strategy focused on poor families, youth, women and farmers.
Farmers to Benefit from Food Processing Projects
The Chief Minister announced several initiatives aimed at increasing farmers’ income.
These include:
- A ₹15 crore pea processing plant
- A ₹1,250 crore PepsiCo food processing project
- Expansion of food processing infrastructure across the Malwa region
He encouraged farmers to cultivate peas and potatoes, assuring them of better market prices through the upcoming processing facilities.
According to him, the government’s strategy is to directly connect farms with factories and markets, thereby improving agricultural profitability.
Budget Growth Without Additional Taxes
Highlighting the state’s financial progress, Dr. Mohan Yadav said Madhya Pradesh’s annual budget has grown from around ₹20,000 crore in 2002–03 to ₹4.38 lakh crore for 2026 without imposing new taxes.
He also highlighted welfare initiatives including the Ladli Behna Yojana, under which monthly assistance has increased from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500. More than ₹60,000 crore has already been transferred to beneficiaries under the scheme.
Additional Development Announcements
Responding to public representatives’ demands, the Chief Minister announced several additional development projects:
- Widening of the old Ujjain–Jaora Road
- Proposal to connect Ratlam–Khachrod Road with Nagda
- Land allocation for a new pea market
- Establishment of a food processing unit
- Construction of a dam on the Chambal River at Ninawat Kheda
- Opening of a new ITI institute in Nagda
He reiterated that improved road infrastructure would create employment opportunities, attract investment and strengthen regional economic activity.
Nagda Kendriya Vidyalaya Begins Admissions
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also inaugurated the temporary campus of the Kendriya Vidyalaya at Nagda.
Key details include:
- Classes for Grades 1 to 5 will begin from July 30.
- The state government has allotted 2.01 hectares for the permanent campus.
- Initially, 200 students will be admitted.
- 25% seats have been reserved under the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
Karnataka Governor Dr. Thawar Chand Gehlot, who attended the event, said the permanent school campus and the Greenfield Corridor would be completed before Simhastha 2028.
Jan Seva Prahari Campaign Launched
The event also witnessed the launch of the Jan Seva Prahari Campaign, aimed at improving emergency response during road accidents.
The initiative focuses on providing immediate medical assistance during the “Golden Hour” following an accident.
Under the programme:
- Shopkeepers, dhaba operators and petrol pump staff near accident-prone locations are being trained as first responders.
- Volunteers receive CPR training, first-aid kits and awareness about legal protections.
- Around 1,549 volunteers have registered, while 155 volunteers have already been certified.
- The initiative has already helped save lives by providing timely assistance to accident victims in Ujjain district.
Ujjain Emerging as a Major Religious and Tourism Hub
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said Ujjain has witnessed remarkable growth in tourism after the development of Mahakal Lok.
According to him, annual footfall has increased dramatically from around 60–70 lakh visitors earlier to over 8.5 crore visitors every year.
He also announced that:
- Metro connectivity between Indore and Ujjain will be introduced in the future.
- Nagda will receive improved railway connectivity through two Delhi–Mumbai rail routes.
- A new international airport is planned for the Ujjain region.
Leaders Present at the Ceremony
The foundation ceremony was attended by Karnataka Governor Dr. Thawar Chand Gehlot, Ujjain MP Anil Firojiya, Nagda-Khachrod MLA Dr. Tej Bahadur Singh Chauhan, Ghatiya MLA Satish Malviya, Jaora MLA Dr. Rajendra Pandey, Badnagar MLA Jitendra Pandya, Minister of State Gautam Tetwal, Rajya Sabha MP Mahant Bal Yogi Umeshnath, Ujjain Mayor Mukesh Tatwal, MPRDC Managing Director Bharat Yadav and several other public representatives.
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