Union Minister Gadkari praises CM Dr. Yadav’s efforts

The sustained efforts of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav to expand the national highway network and ensure the expeditious execution of pending projects in Madhya Pradesh have begun to yield positive results. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari on Monday appreciated the Chief Minister’s initiatives during a review meeting on Madhya Pradesh’s national highway projects held in New Delhi, and issued necessary directions to accelerate their implementation.

The primary objective of the high-level review meeting was to assess the progress of ongoing and proposed national highway projects in the state and to formulate coordinated solutions to advance projects stalled due to issues such as land acquisition and environmental and forest clearances.

Future Strategy for Expansion of the National Highway Network

Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that, given Madhya Pradesh’s geographical location and vast area, the state’s road density is lower than the national average. While the national road density stands at 201.28 km per 100 sq km, Madhya Pradesh has a road density of 162.20 km per 100 sq km. He said that Madhya Pradesh plays a crucial role in national connectivity from the north–south and east–west perspectives. Keeping in view the goals of Developed India @2047 and balanced regional development, there is a need to further expand the national highway network in the state. The Chief Minister informed that, in line with central government schemes, the state government is continuously working to connect areas deprived of high-speed and industrial corridors with the road network. Through the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation, expressways as well as four-lane and six-lane state highways are being developed to strengthen overall connectivity.

Chief Minister Drt. Yadav expressed confidence that these efforts would strengthen the transport system, boost industrial investment, and provide fresh momentum to the agriculture and logistics sectors, enabling Madhya Pradesh to scale new heights of development. The meeting was attended by Public Works Minister Shri Rakesh Singh and senior officials of the central and state governments.

Atal Path and Chambal Region Development Project Get New Direction

Due to the persistent efforts of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the Atal Path project has regained momentum. In the same sequence, concrete steps have been taken to advance the Chambal Region Development Project while ensuring environmental conservation. Upon completion, the project will provide a new direction to the overall development of the Gwalior–Chambal region. It will not only strengthen infrastructure but also unlock significant tourism potential and create new employment opportunities for youth.

Conceived in 2017 with the objective of developing backward areas along the Chambal river, the ambitious project was prepared with farmers’ consent. Its initial alignment passed through the ravine areas of Chambal and the eco-sensitive zone of the Chambal Sanctuary. Subsequently, the responsibility of the project was entrusted to the National Highways Authority of India.

In accordance with the directions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Committee (EAC), the project alignment is now being modified to ensure conservation of biodiversity and wildlife in the Chambal region. The state government has made it clear that the project will be taken forward while maintaining a balance between development and environmental protection.

Tiger Tourism Corridor to Boost Wildlife Tourism

With the objective of strengthening wildlife tourism in the state, the Tiger Tourism Corridor project has also gained new momentum through road upgradation and development. The project was announced by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari during his visit to Jabalpur. Under the project, upgradation of routes connecting Pench to Kanha, Kanha to Bandhavgarh, and Bandhavgarh to Panna Tiger Reserves is proposed.

Spanning approximately 625 kilometres, the corridor will ensure safe and regulated movement, promote tourism activities, and generate employment opportunities at the local level. With the early receipt of required administrative and statutory clearances, the path has been cleared for the timely implementation of this project.