Cabinet Clears ₹3,839 Cr NH-752D Corridor Linking Ujjain to Delhi–Mumbai Expressway

The new highway project will complete direct four-lane connectivity from Ujjain to the Timarwani interchange of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of a four-lane corridor on the Badnawar–Petlawad–Thandla–Timarwani section of National Highway-752D in Madhya Pradesh. The project, covering 80.45 km, will be implemented with a total capital cost of ₹3,839.42 crore.

The corridor is designed to strengthen connectivity between Ujjain and the Timarwani interchange on the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway (DME), improving travel efficiency and supporting regional economic growth.

Faster Route to Delhi–Mumbai Expressway

The new highway project will complete direct four-lane connectivity from Ujjain to the Timarwani interchange of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway. Currently, the Badnawar–Timarwani stretch is an intermediate lane of about 5.5 metres with poor road geometry, allowing speeds of only 20–50 kmph.

Once upgraded, the corridor will support high-speed traffic movement at 80–100 kmph, reducing travel time by approximately one hour and significantly improving road safety and traffic flow.

The Ujjain–Badnawar section (70.40 km) has already been upgraded to four lanes, and the new project will complete the high-capacity corridor.

Key Route for Inter-State Connectivity

The Timarwani–Thandla–Petlawad–Badnawar–Ujjain route is the shortest link connecting Gujarat and Maharashtra to Ujjain, making it a critical inter-state transport corridor.

Upgrading the route will:

• Improve movement of passenger and freight traffic

• Strengthen inter-state connectivity

• Support increased travel demand during Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Ujjain scheduled for April 2028

Boost for Tribal and Aspirational Regions

The corridor passes through tribal regions in Dhar and Jhabua districts of Madhya Pradesh. Parts of Dhar district are covered under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Blocks Programme, aimed at accelerating development in underserved areas.

Improved road infrastructure will enhance access to markets, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, supporting inclusive development in these regions.

Strengthening Industrial and Logistics Networks

The upgraded corridor will provide faster connectivity to the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, enabling smoother movement of raw materials and finished goods.

It will also strengthen links with major industrial and logistics hubs, including:

• Indore

• Pithampur

• Ujjain

• Dewas

The improved transport network is expected to reduce logistics costs and enhance supply chain efficiency across central India.

High-Speed, Safe and Modern Highway Infrastructure

The proposed project will feature modern highway design focused on safe and uninterrupted traffic movement, helping reduce congestion and operating costs.

Key project features include:

Feature	Details
Corridor Length	80.45 km (Greenfield + Brownfield)
Road Configuration	4-Lane
Pavement Type	Flexible Pavement
Major Bridges	6
Minor Bridges	34
Road Under Bridge (RUB)	1
Vehicular Underpasses (VUP/LVUP/SVUP)	9 / 29 / 4
Construction Period	24 months
Concession Period	17 years (2 years construction + 15 years operation & maintenance)

Driving Regional Development

Officials said the project will play a crucial role in enhancing regional infrastructure, boosting economic activity, and improving connectivity across Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring states.

The highway corridor is also expected to contribute to safer transport, faster travel, and stronger logistics integration, aligning with the government’s broader push for modern highway networks under national infrastructure initiatives.