Mission MP: PM Modi Greenlights ₹3,839 Cr Expressway Link

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a four-lane highway corridor between Badnawar and Timarwani in Madhya Pradesh at an estimated cost of ₹3,839.42 crore.

The project will upgrade an 80.45 km stretch of National Highway-752D, connecting Badnawar, Petlawad, Thandla and Timarwani. Once completed, the corridor will link Ujjain to the Timarwani interchange of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, cutting travel time on the route by around one hour.

The highway will pass through tribal regions of Dhar and Jhabua districts, with some areas of Dhar included in NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Blocks Programme. The project includes six major bridges, 34 minor bridges and one road under bridge. It will also have nine vehicle underpasses, 29 light vehicle underpasses and four small vehicle underpasses.

Construction is planned over a 24-month period under the hybrid annuity model, with a total concession period of 17 years. This includes two years for construction and 15 years for operation and maintenance.

Officials said the project is expected to improve regional connectivity, support economic development and strengthen freight movement in Dhar and Jhabua districts. The existing route currently functions as an intermediate-lane road where speeds range between 20 and 50 kmph due to limited road geometry. After the upgrade, vehicles will be able to travel at speeds of 80–100 kmph, creating a continuous four-lane connection between Ujjain and the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway.

The corridor is also part of the shortest route linking Gujarat and Maharashtra with Ujjain. The upgraded highway is expected to handle higher traffic volumes, including during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela scheduled for April 2028, while improving connectivity to industrial and logistics hubs in Indore, Pithampur, Ujjain and Dewas.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.