The Cabinet of Madhya Pradesh has sanctioned a massive infrastructural development work that would bring connectivity improvement ahead of the grand religious event called Simhastha 2028. Estimated to cost about Rs 2,312 crore, the four-lane highway connecting the two significant cities of Indore and Ujjain, is proposed as part of it. The project has been planned with the perspective of 10 crore visitors anticipated to visit Simhastha Kumbh Mela and enriching the experience of travel in general. Major road constructions including a Ujjain bypass, and development of the existing one are included in the project.
Critical Highlights of the Highway Project Amounting to Rs 2,312 Crore
1. Ujjain Simhastha Bypass
This is one of the aggressive plans undertaken in this region-the Ujjain Simhastha Bypass, for 19.815 km costing more than Rs 700 crore. For a comfortable travel to the coming visitors for Simhastha Mela, it is considerable that the Ujjain receives better traffic without much congestion due to an alternate route provided by the Ujjain bypass.
2. Indore-Ujjain Greenfield Road
Apart from the bypass, the project has a new Indore-Ujjain Greenfield Road. This Rs 1,370 crore road will make the connectivity between two Important hubs of Indore and Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh more efficient. Easy traffic congestion will be developed, and better access will be given to the commuters traveling on these roads for any religious purpose or otherwise.
3. Indore-Depalpur Road
Another critical infrastructure support in Indore, one of which the highway project of Rs 239 crore for construction is anticipated would be a newly constructed Indore-Depalpur Road that shall further advance infrastructural aspects with easy connectivity between other parts and around, thus contributing greatly to an upgraded connectivity process as well.
Supporting Infrastructure Developments
Metro and Rapid Rail Projects
Highway development is one of the more comprehensive infrastructure plans aimed at increasing connectivity between Ujjain and Indore. Recently, the Madhya Pradesh government had approved a metro project with an aim to increase connectivity and cut travel times. The proposed metro project includes the construction of two metro corridors-the one connecting Indore to Ujjain and the other from Indore to Pithampur. The first stretch will connect Lavkush Chauraha in Indore to Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, which is a religious destination.
The state government is also constructing a fast rail transit system connecting Indore to Ujjain. All these new roads, along with the above metro system, will provide travel options for multiple people attending Simhastha 2028 by providing both comfort and speed.
Improvement in Railway Network
The state is modernizing its railway routes to accommodate the many visitors it expects. Besides road and metro projects, improvements will be seen on all these facets so that travel becomes easy and smooth-the ease of gaining access to Ujjain from distant places will be a huge relief.
Infrastructure for Religious Gatherings
Simhastha Kumbh Mela is considered India’s largest religious event because millions are expected to travel to Ujjain for the month-long mela. A state government also has envisioned infrastructural development to ensure that everything runs smoothly in all the religious activities such as sacrosanct dips in Kshipra River.
The state government is also planning good Ashrams and Dharamshalas in respect of saintly and seers and will aim at developing places such as at Haridwar. These stay accommodations will be to host these leaders during the festival, as these leaders require to be assured to have comfort and safety stay places.
The Role of Infrastructure in Simhastha 2028
The infrastructure development shall include the improvement of highways and metro and rapid rail systems and development of better railway routes in order to handle this huge inflow of visitors that is expected in Ujjain during Simhastha 2028. Approximately 10 crores are anticipated to attend. Therefore, an efficient transportation system is necessary in order to avoid any chaos during this event.
These roads would ease travel from one major city to another. It would relieve congestion and would be a positive experience for all visitors. Travel through the metro and rapid rail system would become faster and much more convenient, while the route improvement of railways would make traveling in the city easier for long-distance visitors.
Conclusion: A Step Toward World-Class Infrastructure
This Rs 2,312 crore highway project forms part of vital prep work in infrastructure for Simhastha 2028 in Madhya Pradesh. The building of such roads, in collaboration with the metro and rapid rail projects, would significantly enhance connectivity for the millions of people who are expected to visit Ujjain for the religious festival. In so doing, the improvements contribute to a better network of more accessible, efficient, and well-connected infrastructure. This will not only benefit Simhastha but for many more years, as residents and visitors alike use them.
The government is making Ujjain and Indore prepare for the tremendous crowd expected this time for Simhastha; at the same time, work on improving connectivity for future growth and development.
Refer :
Economic Times, Link to article