Bhopal parliamentarian Alok Sharma, on Friday, advocated for the proposed 24-metre width of the road from Lalghati to Neori Temple, emphasising its importance for traffic flow, security, and future planning, despite pressure to reduce its size.

Stressing the need for the road to be built in accordance with the original plan, Sharma said development work and public welfare projects should be undertaken with a vision for the future.

Sharma was addressing the district administration at a meeting attended by Mayor Malti Rai, Priyanka Mishra, and Manoj Rathore. Police and PWD officials were also present.

Sharma was speaking in response to a PWD proposal to reduce the width of the proposed road to 17 metres. In this regard, the Infantry Brigade Commander had also discussed the issue with the MP. He mentioned that large military trucks, school vehicles, and army personnel frequently travel on this road. The road often experiences traffic jams, and from a security perspective, it should be widened to ensure smoother movement.

Residents from the residential localities surrounding the proposed road were also present on the occasion. They agreed that the width of the road should not be reduced. The Gufa Mandir hosts an annual fair during the month of Sawan, and large events like Annakoot also take place there, causing traffic jams on the road.

Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh assured Sharma that the road would be constructed in accordance with the original plan.

Singh instructed ADM Siddharth Jain to inspect the proposed road and directed PWD officials to ensure the road is built to the full proposed width. He also instructed the officials to pay special attention to the quality of the construction and to ensure thorough quality checks.