Madhya Pradesh spends Rs 701.86 crore to expand Ujjain Simhastha Road

In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on December 3, 2024, the state Cabinet convened and made significant financial decisions in anticipation of the upcoming Simhastha Fair in Ujjain. They allocated a total of Rs 2,312 crore towards the construction and upgrading of critical road infrastructure connecting Indore and Ujjain to support the event. This announcement comes as part of broader efforts to enhance transportation and logistics for attendees of the fair, which is a major religious festival attracting millions from across the country. Among the allocations, Rs 701.86 crore is designated for transforming the existing two-lane Ujjain Simhastha Road into a more efficient four-lane road with paved shoulders, which is expected to facilitate smoother traffic flow. Additionally, a substantial portion of Rs 1,370.85 crore is earmarked for the development of a 48.05 km-long Green Field route linking Indore to Ujjain, also to be converted into a four-lane layout. The importance of this development cannot be understated, as it directly correlates with the need to elevate the region's infrastructure to handle the anticipated influx of visitors. Further, a two-lane road in Engoria-Depalpur, measuring 32.60 km, has been approved at a cost of Rs 239.38 crore, further underscoring the Cabinet’s commitment to enhancing road connectivity in the area. The MP Road Development Corporation has been tasked with the implementation of these projects, indicating a robust approach to modernizing essential transportation routes ahead of the fair. The Cabinet’s meeting also included discussions on a variety of topics, including the formation of a Cabinet Committee to craft a new excise policy and directives for ministers to monitor the procurement processes for soybean and paddy crops in their constituencies. These discussions highlight the government’s overarching goals of supporting local farmers and ensuring the efficient operation of agricultural markets. This series of approvals and initiatives demonstrates the Madhya Pradesh government's proactive stance in preparing for a major public event while also addressing ongoing economic and agricultural needs in the region. The investments in infrastructure are anticipated to yield positive outcomes not only for the forthcoming fair but also for enhancing the long-term economic landscape of Madhya Pradesh.