The Madhya Pradesh government has announced the construction of a new 48-kilometer road connecting the Hatod area of Indore to the Simhastha Bypass in Ujjain. This project is being developed as an alternative to the current Indore-Ujjain route and is part of preparations for the Simhastha fair in 2028.

The road, estimated to cost Rs 13.70 billion, will pass through 29 villages, with 20 in Indore district and nine in Ujjain district. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared and will be submitted for government approval. Once approved, the land acquisition and construction phases will commence.

Starting near Pitru Parvat in Hatod, Indore, the road will connect directly to the Simhastha Bypass in Ujjain. It will be a four-lane greenfield road requiring over 350 hectares of land. Approximately 70 per cent of the route will fall within Indore district, and the remaining 30 per cent in Ujjain district. The new road will also link to the Indore-Ahmedabad highway, facilitating a direct route for pilgrims traveling from Ahmedabad, Dhar, and Mumbai to Ujjain.

The existing Indore-Ujjain route, which currently experiences heavy traffic due to vehicles passing through MR-10 and Lavkush Square, will see reduced congestion once the new road is operational.

Additionally, the current Indore-Ujjain road is being upgraded to six lanes. This work is being carried out in sections from Aurobindo Hospital to Harifata, with encroachments already removed in rural areas. Construction is proceeding in phases to minimize traffic disruption.

Both the new road and the upgrade of the existing route aim to enhance connectivity and ease travel for pilgrims and commuters ahead of the 2028 Simhastha fair. News source: ET Realty