New Indore–Ujjain link road awaits approval again:Officials question need for 3rd route when two highways already connect both cities

The proposed 40-km-long Bhangya–Shakarkhedi Road, which is planned to connect Indore and Ujjain, has been put on hold for now. The state government has returned the proposal for the project, estimated to cost around ₹150 crore, to the Public Works Department (PWD) for re-evaluation. The department headquarters has questioned the need for a third route when the Indore–Ujjain six-lane highway is already being upgraded, and an existing highway route via Indore–Dewas–Ujjain is available. The department will now send the proposal again, highlighting its utility and benefits. Proposal sent last year Last year, the PWD had submitted a proposal for a two-lane road from Chandragupta Maurya Square on MR-10 Road to the Dewas–Ujjain Highway. According to the department, this route would function as a separate corridor from the existing major highways and provide direct benefits to nearby villages and local traffic. The revised proposal will focus on emphasising this need. No need for major flyovers or railway overbridges The total estimated cost of the project is ₹150 crore. Of this, around ₹30 crore will be spent on land acquisition compensation, approximately ₹10 crore on shifting electricity and other utility lines, and the remaining ₹100 crore on road construction. Since the route will pass through several small villages, there will be no requirement for major flyovers, railway overbridges, or large river bridges. A bridge over the Shipra River already exists. Fresh approval to be sought within a month According to Surya Narayan Soni, Executive Engineer of PWD Division-2, the department will try to obtain approval for the project within the next month. Once approval is granted, the tender process and land acquisition work will begin. As the road is planned as a two-lane corridor, acquisition of private land will remain limited. The construction agency will be given 18 to 20 months to complete the work. The department hopes the road can be made operational before the next Simhastha Kumbh. Villages to get direct connectivity The road will start from Chandragupta Maurya Square and pass through Jassa, Karadiya, Bajrang Palia, Dhankhedi, Mundla Hussain, Shahna, Guran, Jamodi, Simrod and Hirli before joining the Dewas–Ujjain Road near Bolasa. From there, Ujjain can be reached via Chandesari in about 20 km. The Dewas–Ujjain Road has already been widened into a six-lane highway by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Road already exists on 75% of the route Of the proposed 40-km route, roads already exist on about 75% of the stretch. The remaining 25% will pass through village pathways or land that will need to be acquired. The road will be two lanes wide, featuring a 7-metre carriageway and footpaths. The total width will be around 30 feet. Benefits of the project The project cost is expected to remain under control due to limited land acquisition, making it a relatively low-cost infrastructure project. Proposal to be resubmitted, citing Simhastha The Public Works Department will now revise and resubmit the proposal, highlighting the importance of the road as an alternative route for managing traffic during the upcoming Simhastha festival.