Gadkari launches 45 highway projects in Madhya Pradesh worth Rs11,427 cr

These projects for inauguration and foundation laying carry a road length of 1,361 km, involving construction value of Rs11,427 crore, paving the way for development of MP.

These roads will enhance connectivity, convenience and economic growth in and around the state. Movement of people and goods to and from the state will also improve substantially, especially with the neighbouring states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh etc. Better roads lead to savings in time and fuel and as well lower emission of pollutants. Further, these project will decongest roads and the enroute towns contributing to improved road experience.

Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari said, the NH length in the state now stands at 13,248 km at present, which was barely 5,186 km in 2014. He said, Rs1,25,000 crore worth of development works are underway in Madhya Pradesh. As much as 60 to 70 per cent works have been completed on approx. Rs30,000 crore worth road works in the state. He said several of these roads are important for providing connectivity to the tourist spots and backward areas of the state. The minister announced that by the year 2023, development works worth Rs50,000 crore are targeted for completion.

The minister further informed that work has already started on the 1,260 km eight lane access controlled Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, of which 244 km 8-lane length will be constructed in Madhya Pradesh at a cost of Rs8,214 crore. He said, the work has already been awarded for the MP section of this Expressway, which will pass through Ramganj Mandi, Garoth, Jawra and Ratlam areas of Malwa region, and Thandla (Jhabua).  He said, a 173-km-long 4-lane road will be made to provide connectivity to the Malwa region from the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. This will pass through Indore, Dewas, Ujjain, Agar to Garoth, and the works will be awarded by December this year.

Gadkari announced Rs700 crore grant from Central Road Fund (CRF) for Madhya Pradesh to be utilised in the road sector. Inviting proposals from the state, he said Rs350 crore worth of proposals may include the proposals from MPs of Madhya Pradesh for road works in their constituency.

Gadkari asked the CM to quickly grant state government permission for mining, as it has direct bearing on the speed of expressway construction. He also requested the CM to urgently distribute the land acquisition money to farmers, which the NHAI has already sent to the state government. He also sought faster forest and project clearances in public interest.

Gadkari also highlighted the role of MSME sector in improving the employment and economic scenario in Madhya Pradesh. Citing the recent expansion in the definition of MSME units, he exhorted the state government to utilise the opportunity and explore export potential of handicrafts, handloom, etc which can provide employment to large number of people.

Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan complemented the union minister for his vision and willingness to undertake important road projects and assured full cooperation of the state machinery. He requested Gadkari to take up three ambitious road projects of Madhya Pradesh – Narmada Expressway, Chambal Expressway (also called Atal Progressway and the Ram Vangaman Path. He said, he will very soon submit detailed reports on these projects to the centre.