The Modi government approves ₹3,839 crore 4-lane corridor to connect Ujjain with the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, passing through Dhar and Jhabua districts in Madhya Pradesh.
If you’d like, I can also optimize the title and first paragraph to strengthen keyword placement for RankMath SEO.
The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of a ₹3,839.42 crore four-lane highway corridor in Madhya Pradesh aimed at improving connectivity between Ujjain and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, according to official statements released after the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) meeting.
The decision was taken by the CCEA chaired by Narendra Modi, the government said in a press release. The project involves the four-laning of the Badnawar–Petlawad–Thandla–Timarwani section of National Highway-752D and will cover a total length of approximately 80.45 kilometres.
Project Details
Officials stated that the approved stretch will complete a continuous four-lane connection from Ujjain to the Timarwani interchange of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. The project is expected to improve travel efficiency and reduce congestion along the existing intermediate-lane road.
According to government sources cited by multiple media outlets, the upgraded corridor is designed to allow higher average travel speeds compared to the current road conditions. Authorities estimate that the new alignment could reduce travel time by nearly an hour once operational.
The project will be implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), a public-private partnership framework in which the government and private developers share project costs and risks. Officials indicated that the construction period is expected to be approximately 24 months from the date of award.
Districts Covered
The new corridor will pass through parts of Dhar and Jhabua districts in Madhya Pradesh. These districts include tribal and semi-urban regions that currently rely on narrower road infrastructure for inter-district travel.
Government officials have said the project aims to strengthen regional connectivity by linking interior districts with major national transport corridors. Improved highway access is expected to facilitate smoother movement of goods and passengers between central India and western states.
Connectivity and Economic Impact
Authorities noted that the upgraded route will provide improved access to key cities including Ujjain and Indore. By linking the region more directly to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, the project is expected to enhance logistical efficiency for freight transport and support economic activity.
Officials also highlighted that the corridor could ease travel during large gatherings in Ujjain, including religious events that draw significant footfall. Improved highway infrastructure is often cited by policymakers as a driver of regional development and industrial expansion.
The government’s statement indicated that the project would help reduce vehicle operating costs and improve road safety standards along the route. Detailed engineering features, including bridges and grade separators, are expected to be finalised during the implementation phase.
Implementation Framework
Under the Hybrid Annuity Mode, the government typically funds 40 percent of the project cost during construction, with the remaining investment mobilised by the private concessionaire. The concessionaire is responsible for building and maintaining the road for a defined period after completion.
Officials said that bidding and contractor selection would follow standard procurement processes. Environmental clearances and land acquisition procedures are expected to be undertaken in accordance with applicable regulations.
Broader Infrastructure Push
The approval comes as part of the Centre’s broader infrastructure development strategy focused on expanding highway networks and improving national logistics connectivity. Over recent years, multiple road projects have been sanctioned to integrate smaller cities with major economic corridors.
The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is among India’s largest infrastructure projects and is intended to reduce travel time between the national capital region and Mumbai while supporting industrial growth along its alignment.
With the latest approval, the government aims to strengthen Madhya Pradesh’s road connectivity to this national corridor. Analysts note that execution timelines and coordination between agencies will be critical to ensuring the project’s timely completion.
Further updates on project milestones are expected once the tendering process and on-ground construction activities begin.
