Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh is preparing a major expansion of its road infrastructure, with five proposed greenfield corridors spanning 1,398 km and estimated to cost ₹63,296 crore. The projects were reviewed at the 49th meeting of the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC) Board of Directors, chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on November 5.
The proposed routes will be four-lane, access-controlled corridors with paved shoulders. The state government aims to strengthen connectivity between major cities and regions through a wider network of state highways, multi-lane roads and greenfield expressways.
However, the projects are currently at the preparatory stage. The board has authorised MPRDC to prepare feasibility reports for all five corridors and proceed with Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) wherever the projects are found viable.
Five Proposed Corridors Across Madhya Pradesh
The five corridors are expected to cover a combined distance of 1,398 km. Their proposed routes and lengths are:
- Bhopal–Mandsaur: 258 km
- Sagar–Satna: 227 km
- Jabalpur–Ashapur: 358 km
- Bhopal–Gwalior: 320 km
- Katni–Singrauli: 235 km
Total proposed length: 1,398 km
Together, the projects are estimated to require an investment of approximately ₹63,296 crore.
Feasibility Studies Underway for Three Routes
The five corridors are at different stages of preparation.
- Bhopal–Mandsaur, Sagar–Satna and Jabalpur–Ashapur: Consultants are preparing feasibility reports for these three routes. They have submitted multiple alignment options, and MPRDC is evaluating them to identify the most suitable routes.
- Bhopal–Gwalior and Katni–Singrauli: The tender process to appoint consultants for preparing their DPRs is underway.
The board authorised the corporation to complete feasibility assessments for all five projects. If the routes are found viable, MPRDC can move ahead with preparing their detailed project reports.
This means the proposals have not yet reached the construction stage. Their progress will depend on the findings of the feasibility studies and subsequent project preparation.
CM Mohan Yadav Calls for Faster Road Development
Chairing the meeting at Samatva Bhavan, the Chief Minister’s residence, Yadav said that road connectivity must reach every village, town and city in Madhya Pradesh. He emphasised the need to connect settlements through all-weather roads and directed officials to accelerate ongoing construction projects.
He also called for coordination among the Public Works Department, Urban Administration, Rural Development, Industries Department and Madhya Pradesh Housing Board to strengthen the state’s road network.
The Chief Minister further directed officials to take up Major District Roads and explore multiple possibilities simultaneously to improve connectivity.
The corporation’s proposed Highway Fund was also renamed ‘Viksit Madhya Pradesh Sankalp Path’ during the meeting.
Other Key Decisions Taken at the MPRDC Board Meeting
Apart from reviewing the five greenfield corridors, the board approved several proposals concerning the corporation’s operations, road projects and toll policy.
The major decisions include:
- Jaora–Nayagaon project: Permission for 100% equity divestment in the four-lane Jaora–Nayagaon section project under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model.
- New senior positions: Creation of two Chief Engineer posts, three General Manager posts and five Deputy General Manager posts in MPRDC.
- Legal Assistant’s honorarium: Approval to enhance the honorarium of the corporation’s Legal Assistant.
- PAM Building acquisition: Approval to acquire the Madhya Pradesh Oilseeds Federation building, also known as the PAM Building, at Arera Hills in Bhopal. The property is owned by the Department of Public Asset Management.
- Independent Director: Approval for the appointment of an Independent Director to the corporation.
- Transfer of road project ownership: Approval to transfer ownership of projects, including state highways and other roads being upgraded through loans, to MPRDC.
- Toll exemption for combine harvesters: Approval to exempt combine harvesters used for agricultural purposes from toll charges at corporation-operated toll plazas under BOT (Toll), BOT (Toll and Annuity), Operate-Maintain-Transfer (OMT) and user-fee-based schemes.
Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh attended the meeting along with Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal (IAS: 1991: MP), senior state government officials, MPRDC’s Managing Director Bharat Yadav and other board members.
The proposed corridors form part of Madhya Pradesh’s broader effort to expand road infrastructure and improve regional connectivity. Their next major milestones will be the completion of feasibility assessments, selection of alignments and preparation of detailed project reports.
