In a major infrastructure push, the Madhya Pradesh government has unveiled an ambitious plan to weave the entire state with a network of high-speed expressways. The Public Works Department (PWD) Minister, Rakesh Singh, detailed this transformative roadmap while highlighting his department's achievements over the past two years and outlining projects for the next three.
Massive Investment for Statewide Connectivity
Minister Rakesh Singh announced that the state government, in close coordination with the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), is focused on creating high-speed corridors or expressways across Madhya Pradesh. The strategy involves the NHAI constructing the main expressways, while the state PWD will build the crucial link roads to connect adjacent districts to these arterial networks.
This integrated approach aims to plug the entire state into the national highway grid, promising to give a significant impetus to economic growth and provide efficient, easy road transport for citizens. To formalize this collaboration, the PWD has already signed a monumental Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) worth Rs 1 lakh crore with the NHAI for strengthening the state's road network.
Key Corridors and Expressways in Focus
Singh highlighted several flagship corridor projects that are central to this vision. These include:
- The extensive 600 km North-South Corridor.
- The 700 km Varanasi-Nagpur Corridor passing through the state.
- The crucial East-West Corridor.
Furthermore, the Madhya Pradesh State Road Development Corporation (MPSRDC) is actively building expressways like the Indore-Mandsaur Expressway. The minister confirmed that work on projects with a cumulative worth of Rs 28,000 crore has already commenced under this expansive plan.
A Novel 'Tiger Corridor' Project
In a unique ecological and infrastructural initiative, Singh referred to a novel project aimed at linking five national parks within the state. This project, estimated to cost between Rs 5,500 to Rs 6,000 crore, is designed as a dedicated 'Tiger Corridor'. It underscores the government's intent to balance development with environmental conservation, ensuring safe passage for wildlife while enhancing regional connectivity.
The comprehensive plan outlined by the PWD minister signals a new era of road connectivity for Madhya Pradesh. By leveraging the partnership with NHAI and investing in both economic and ecological corridors, the state aims to accelerate its development trajectory and improve the quality of life for its residents through superior infrastructure.
