Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari and CM Mohan Yadav performed the foundation-laying with Bhoomi-Poojan. They inaugurated 10 National Highway projects with associated infrastructure works worth Rs. 5,800 crores at a grand event held on Thursday in the village Kheda of Badnawar, Dhar district.
Speaking at the event, Union Minister Shri Gadkari said that Madhya Pradesh is governed by a “double engine government,” leading to rapid development across the state. He praised CM Mohan Yadav for his visionary approach toward inclusive prosperity and empowerment, stating that highways are not just roads but transformative lifelines for people. Shri Gadkari emphasized that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s infrastructure has undergone a significant transformation over the past ten years. He reiterated the goal of making India the world’s third-largest economy and highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s crucial role in this journey. “Madhya Pradesh has a strong hunger for development,” he added, “and we will make it the largest contributor to national progress.”
Highways in MP to Surpass the U.S. in the Next Three Years
Shri Gadkari announced that within the next three years, the national highway network in Madhya Pradesh would surpass that of the United States in quality and aesthetics. He stated that within a year, road and infrastructure projects worth over Rs. 3 lakh crores would be completed nationwide. Highlighting the importance of water, energy, transport, and infrastructure in a region’s development, he expressed satisfaction that Madhya Pradesh is making rapid strides in all four areas.
6 New Projects Approved on CM’s Request with deadline
On the request of CM Mohan Yadav, Union Minister Shri Gadkari approved six new National Highway projects worth Rs12,000 crores under the Central Road Fund. These projects span 400 kilometers. He also approved five new greenfield economic corridors, ring roads, elevated corridors, bridges, and other infrastructure projects to be built by NHAI at a cost of Rs. 33,000 crores. Completion timelines for these were also announced.
“Highways Bring Happiness,” Says Shri Gadkari
Shri Gadkari said that upon completion, these road projects will boost regional development, generate employment for youth, reduce poverty, and help farmers get better prices for their produce. “Highways are happiness highways,” he said. He assured that every village in Madhya Pradesh would be connected with roads to ensure access to education, employment, healthcare, and overall growth.
Highway Projects to Support Successful Hosting of Simhastha 2028: CM Dr. Yadav
CM Mohan Yadav stated that the nation is presently in its “Amrit Kaal.” He remarked that former Prime Minister Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee had envisioned the transformation of India, and under PM Shri Modi’s leadership, that vision is becoming a reality. He expressed confidence that during Amrit Kaal, India would emerge as the best country in the world. Roads, he added, are a direct indicator of development, and by increasing road connectivity, Madhya Pradesh is progressing swiftly to improve the quality of life for its people. He also shared his vision of developing both villages and cities into smart regions. Indore and Bhopal, he said, are on their way to becoming metropolitan cities.
CM Mohan Yadav thanked Union Minister Shri Gadkari for generously approving 10 National Highway projects worth Rs. 5800 crores for Madhya Pradesh, calling him the “Highway Development Man” of India. He emphasized that these projects will directly benefit the Malwa region and will significantly aid in the successful organization of Simhastha 2028.
Connecting the Jyotirlingas of Mahakaleshwar, Somnath, and Omkareshwar
CM Mohan Yadav emphasized the state’s commitment to blending heritage with development. He announced a plan to spiritually and physically connect the Jyotirlingas of Shri Mahakaleshwar (MP), Somnath (Gujarat), and Omkareshwar, with central government support. He submitted a proposal for the same. He affirmed that the state government will work shoulder-to-shoulder with the Centre to maximize the benefits of development during Amrit Kaal. Dr. Yadav submitted a detailed memorandum to Shri Gadkari, requesting an expanded National Highway network for the state and vowed to continue advocating for more national projects in the interest of Madhya Pradesh. He stressed the need for a robust road network to ensure smooth transportation for pilgrims during Simhastha 2028.
Details of Inaugurated and Foundation-Laid Projects
Shri Gadkari and Dr. Yadav inaugurated A newly constructed 4-lane road on the Ujjain-Badnawar section, A 4/6-lane greenfield highway from Kheda Khajuriya to Suhagdi on the Ujjain-Garoth route, A 4/6-lane greenfield highway from Suhagdi to Bardia Amra on the same route, A 2-lane paved shoulder road on the Jeerapur-Susner-MP-Rajasthan border section, and An additional 3-lane paved shoulder road on the Bakaner Ghat stretch.
They also laid foundation stones for A 4-lane road on the Sandalpur-Nasrullaganj section, A 2-lane paved shoulder road on the Chanderi-Pichhore section, 7 flyovers and underpasses on the Indore-Gujarat route, 3 flyovers and underpasses at Shajapur, Kanasiya, and MIDC Industrial Area, A flyover at the Rasulpur junction.
Union Minister Smt. Savitri Thakur Expresses Gratitude
Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smt. Savitri Thakur thanked Shri Gadkari and CM Dr. Yadav for organizing this grand event in the village Kheda of tribal-dominated Dhar district. She said it was a matter of pride that three Jyotirlingas are connected to Dhar and highlighted how the PM Mitra Park in Mandu and Badnawar will boost regional development and employment.
National Highways Making Farmers Prosperous: Shri Kailash Vijayvargiya
Urban Development Minister and In-Charge Minister of Dhar district Shri Kailash Vijayvargiya praised Shri Gadkari’s vision, stating it has transformed the nation’s infrastructure and religious sites. He said they are in constant coordination with the Centre regarding Simhastha 2028. He added that new highways have led to increased prosperity for farmers and proposed a 4-lane road from Satna to Chitrakoot for developing Chitrakoot Dham, which Shri Gadkari approved from the stage.
MP Ensuring Quality in Road Construction: Shri Rakesh Singh
PWD Minister Shri Rakesh Singh, in his welcome address, stated that under PM Shri Modi’s guidance, Shri Gadkari has built an extensive road network across the country. He referred to Shri Gadkari as the “Vikas Purush” (Man of Development) and noted that during GIS-2025, an MoU worth Rs. 1 lakh crore was signed between NHAI and the Madhya Pradesh government. These projects will soon take shape on the ground. He also informed that in MP, trees will no longer be cut for road construction but will be relocated if needed. The state is maintaining high standards of quality in road construction, and under CM Dr. Yadav’s leadership, random inspections and sampling are being done using advanced technology. Madhya Pradesh will soon carve out a new identity in the field of development.
Exhibition Showcasing the Road Projects
Union Minister Shri Gadkari, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, and other dignitaries also visited an exhibition centered around the newly inaugurated and proposed road projects.
The event was attended by Scheduled Caste Welfare Minister Shri Nagar Singh Chauhan, MPs Smt. Anita Nagar Singh Chauhan, Shri Sudhir Gupta, Shri Anil Firojiya, Shri Shankar Lalwani, Shri Gajendra Singh Patel, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Banshilal Gurjar, MLAs Shri Kalu Singh Chauhan, Smt. Neena Verma, Shri Jitendra Pandya, other legislators, local public representatives, and a large number of villagers from the region.