Bhopal, In a monumental step towards transforming Madhya Pradesh’s infrastructure, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has promised that in the next two years, the state’s national highway network will surpass that of the United States. Addressing a gathering in Kheda village, Badnawar in Dhar district, Gadkari announced the approval of six new National Highway projects, worth Rs 12,000 crores, totaling 400 km in length, under the Central Road Fund. This decision came at the request of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. Additionally, five new Greenfield Economic Corridors, along with ring roads, elevated corridors, bridges, and other critical infrastructure, will be developed, with a total cost of Rs 33,000 crores. The timeline for completion of these projects was also set, with Gadkari assuring that Madhya Pradesh’s highways would be among the best globally within three years.
In a special ceremony held on Thursday, Gadkari, along with Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, laid the foundation stone and inaugurated 10 National Highway projects and associated infrastructure in the presence of local leaders. Gadkari, who emphasized the importance of delivering on promises, stated, “Whatever I promise, I will ensure it’s completed with precision and dedication.”
Madhya Pradesh to Become the Country’s Leading Contributor to Development
Minister Gadkari lauded Madhya Pradesh’s “double-engine government,” which, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, has been driving rapid development. He stated, “Highways are not just roads; they are pathways to progress that change people’s lives.” Over the past decade, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s infrastructure has undergone massive transformation. With plans to make India the third-largest economy in the world, Madhya Pradesh will play a crucial role in this vision.
Madhya Pradesh to Complete Projects Worth Rs 3 Lakh Crores in One Year
Gadkari also announced that over the next year, infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 3 lakh crores will be completed across the country. He stressed that the development of four key resources—water, energy, transport, and infrastructure—is vital for any region’s progress, and Madhya Pradesh has made significant strides in all these areas.
= Highways: The Pathway to Happiness
Describing the impact of these highway projects, Gadkari noted, “Highway projects bring not just connectivity, but happiness. They lead to job creation, poverty alleviation, better prices for farmers’ produce, and improved living standards.” He promised that the state’s villages would be connected through robust road networks, ensuring access to education, employment, healthcare, and overall development.
Linking Spiritual Heritage: A Vision for the Future
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav expressed his gratitude for the Rs 5,800 crore investment in ten National Highway projects, emphasizing that these initiatives would directly benefit the Malwa region. He also highlighted the potential for these roads to play a crucial role in the successful organization of the Simhastha-2028. Dr. Yadav elaborated on a visionary project to connect the Jyotirlingas of Mahakaleshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Somnath in Gujarat, and Omkareshwar through a dedicated highway network, which would also enhance religious tourism.
Dr. Yadav reaffirmed his government’s commitment to collaborating with the central government to ensure that the state continues to receive the maximum benefits of infrastructure development. He also presented a detailed request for expanding the National Highway network in Madhya Pradesh, emphasizing the importance of a robust road network for the smooth transportation of pilgrims during the Simhastha-2028 event.
= Infrastructure Milestones: Laying of Foundation Stones
In addition to the announcements, Gadkari and Dr. Yadav also laid the foundation for several key projects, including:
* A newly constructed 4-lane road on the Ujjain-Badnawar stretch.
* A 4/6 lane Greenfield highway from Kheda Khajuriya to Suhagi in Ujjain-Garoth.
* A 2-lane paved shoulder road on the Zirapur-Susner-Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan border stretch.
* A 4-lane road on the Sandalpur-Nasrullaganj stretch.
* Several flyovers and underpasses in key areas such as Indore-Gujarat and Shajapur.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur, Minister of Urban Development and Housing, Kailash Vijayvargiya, and Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh.
