MP: Bhopal–Vidisha Road to be Upgraded to 4-Lane; Bhopal and Ujjain–Indore Metropolitan Regions to become New Growth Engines, Says CM Mohan Yadav
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh is entering a new era of metropolitan development, modern infrastructure and high-speed connectivity. The notification of the Bhopal and Ujjain–Indore Metropolitan Regions is a historic step towards planned urban and regional development in the State.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that modern and seamless connectivity between the Bhopal and Ujjain–Indore Metropolitan Regions will create a strong development triangle in the State. Ujjain's religious and cultural significance, Indore's industrial and commercial potential, and Bhopal's administrative, educational and institutional strengths, when interconnected, will take the State's economy to new heights. These metropolitan regions will emerge as major growth engines for investment, industry, trade, tourism, logistics and employment in the coming years.
Bhopal–Vidisha 4-Lane Project Proposed for Cabinet Approval
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the ambitious project to upgrade the Bhopal–Vidisha road to four lanes is being presented for approval at the Cabinet meeting scheduled on Tuesday. Proposed under the Hybrid Annuity Model, the project has a total cost of Rs 1,757.55 crore. Under the project, the existing 44.83-km two-lane road will be upgraded to four lanes with paved shoulders. Cabinet approval will pave the way for faster implementation of the project.
The road begins at Bhanpur T-Junction on Bhopal's Ayodhya Bypass and passes through Sukhi Sevania, Diwanganj and Salamatpur before reaching the Sanchi–Salamatpur junction of NH-146. It is an important regional route connecting Bhopal, Raisen and Vidisha districts. Current traffic on the route is around 10,975 Passenger Car Units, exceeding the prescribed 10,000 PCU standard for a four-lane road. Its four-lane upgrade is necessary considering metropolitan development and the expected growth in traffic in the future.
The project includes three bypasses with a combined length of 8.25 km:
Sukhi Sevania Bypass — 1.80 km
Berkhedi Bypass — 1.35 km
Salamatpur Bypass — 5.10 km
The bypasses will reduce vehicular pressure in populated areas, lower the risk of road accidents and make local travel safer for residents. The route will also serve as an important feeder corridor for the Bhopal–Kanpur High-Speed Corridor.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Bhopal–Vidisha road is important not only from the perspective of traffic but also for religious, historical and cultural tourism. The world-famous Sanchi Stupas, museum, Ashoka Pillar, Udayagiri Caves and several archaeological and cultural sites are located along the route. The road also crosses the Tropic of Cancer at approximately 24.550 km, giving it special geographical significance.
Improved road connectivity will make travel from Bhopal to Vidisha and Sanchi smoother and reduce travel time. This will boost tourist footfall and benefit hotels, transport services, guides, handicrafts and local businesses.
By connecting with the new four-lane route being developed by the National Highways Authority of India bypassing Raisen, Sanchi and Vidisha, the project will also strengthen connectivity to north-eastern Madhya Pradesh, including Bhopal, Sagar, Damoh, Chhatarpur and Panna.
Modern Road Network Taking Shape in Ujjain–Indore Metropolitan Region
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that several major projects are underway to provide fast, safe and convenient mobility in the Ujjain–Indore Metropolitan Region. These include:
Indore–Ujjain 6-Lane Road
Indore–Ujjain Greenfield 4-Lane Road
Ujjain–Jaora Greenfield 4-Lane Road
Ujjain–Maksy 4-Lane Widening
Ujjain Simhastha Bypass
Harifatak Bridge Widening
The Indore–Ujjain 6-lane project has achieved around 80% physical progress.