Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav performed the foundation-laying with Bhoomi-Poojan. They inaugurated 10 National Highway projects with associated infrastructure works worth Rs. 5,800 crores at a grand event held on Thursday in the village Kheda of Badnawar, Dhar district.
Speaking at the event, Union Minister Gadkari said that Madhya Pradesh is governed by a "double engine government," leading to rapid development across the state. He praised CM Dr. Yadav for his visionary approach toward inclusive prosperity and empowerment, stating that highways are not just roads but transformative lifelines for people. Gadkari emphasized that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s infrastructure has undergone a significant transformation over the past ten years. He reiterated the goal of making India the world’s third-largest economy and highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s crucial role in this journey. “Madhya Pradesh has a strong hunger for development,” he added, “and we will make it the largest contributor to national progress.”
Gadkari announced that within the next three years, the national highway network in Madhya Pradesh would surpass that of the United States in quality and aesthetics. He stated that within a year, road and infrastructure projects worth over Rs. 3 lakh crores would be completed nationwide. Highlighting the importance of water, energy, transport, and infrastructure in a region's development, he expressed satisfaction that Madhya Pradesh is making rapid strides in all four areas.
On the request of Chief Minister Yadav, Union Minister Gadkari approved six new National Highway projects worth Rs12,000 crores under the Central Road Fund. These projects span 400 kilometers. He also approved five new greenfield economic corridors, ring roads, elevated corridors, bridges, and other infrastructure projects to be built by NHAI at a cost of Rs. 33,000 crores. Completion timelines for these were also announced.
Gadkari said that upon completion, these road projects will boost regional development, generate employment for youth, reduce poverty, and help farmers get better prices for their produce. "Highways are happiness highways," he said. He assured that every village in Madhya Pradesh would be connected with roads to ensure access to education, employment, healthcare, and overall growth.
Chief Minister Yadav stated that the nation is presently in its "Amrit Kaal." He remarked that former Prime Minister Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee had envisioned the transformation of India, and under PM Modi’s leadership, that vision is becoming a reality. He expressed confidence that during Amrit Kaal, India would emerge as the best country in the world. Roads, he added, are a direct indicator of development, and by increasing road connectivity, Madhya Pradesh is progressing swiftly to improve the quality of life for its people. He also shared his vision of developing both villages and cities into smart regions. Indore and Bhopal, he said, are on their way to becoming metropolitan cities.
Yadav thanked Union Minister Gadkari for generously approving 10 National Highway projects worth Rs. 5800 crores for Madhya Pradesh, calling him the "Highway Development Man" of India. He emphasized that these projects will directly benefit the Malwa region and will significantly aid in the successful organization of Simhastha 2028.
Yadav emphasized the state’s commitment to blending heritage with development. He announced a plan to spiritually and physically connect the Jyotirlingas of Mahakaleshwar (MP), Somnath (Gujarat), and Omkareshwar, with central government support. He submitted a proposal for the same. He affirmed that the state government will work shoulder-to-shoulder with the Centre to maximize the benefits of development during Amrit Kaal. Dr. Yadav submitted a detailed memorandum to Gadkari, requesting an expanded National Highway network for the state.
