Centre and MP government prioritize timely completion and new highway proposals under Vision 2025–26.
In a significant push toward improving Madhya Pradesh’s road infrastructure, a high-level review meeting was held in New Delhi on January 5 under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. The meeting aimed to accelerate ongoing and proposed national highway projects across the state and address key challenges in execution and approvals.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, along with Union Minister Gadkari, led discussions focusing on the progress, challenges, and future plans of highway development in Madhya Pradesh. The meeting took place at the Bharat Mandapam Complex in New Delhi at 5 PM, marking an important step toward enhancing coordination between the central and state governments.
Focus on 61 Ongoing Highway Projects
At present, work is underway on 61 national highway projects across Madhya Pradesh. These include 33 projects executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and 28 being implemented by the state’s Public Works Department (PWD). The combined effort reflects a large-scale development push aimed at creating stronger, safer, and more efficient road connectivity in the state.
The review session covered both ongoing and planned projects under the 2025–26 annual plan, with a focus on maintaining quality standards, ensuring timely completion, and establishing a more transparent monitoring system. The government’s clear priority is to provide seamless connectivity that can spur economic growth and improve public convenience.
Discussion on Delayed Projects and Environmental Clearances
A major part of the meeting was devoted to examining projects that have faced delays due to land acquisition, environmental, and forest clearance issues. Officials from NHAI, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, the Madhya Pradesh PWD, and other relevant departments participated in these discussions. By identifying bottlenecks and resolving them on a priority basis, the government aims to ensure that construction progresses smoothly and deadlines are met.
Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh and senior officials from the state and central governments were also present at the meeting. They reviewed key projects that are crucial for economic activities, regional connectivity, and public welfare.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav highlighted that the meeting provided an excellent opportunity for direct dialogue with the Union Ministry, allowing faster decision-making and better alignment between central and state objectives. “With greater coordination and faster approvals, we can create world-class roads that truly support Madhya Pradesh’s development goals,” he said.
Strengthening Madhya Pradesh’s Road Network
Madhya Pradesh currently has a national highway network exceeding 9,300 kilometers in total length. This extensive system is vital for connecting remote regions with industrial, agricultural, and urban hubs. The state government has placed a renewed emphasis on expanding, modernizing, and maintaining these routes to international standards.
Highways are often described as the ‘lifelines of development,’ and in a state as large as Madhya Pradesh, they play an even more critical role. Improved road infrastructure not only facilitates quicker transportation of goods and people but also boosts tourism, supports local economies, and enhances road safety.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari reiterated the central government’s commitment to strengthening road infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh. He emphasized sustainable construction practices and the importance of timely execution. “Our goal is to build safe, durable highways that contribute to economic progress while preserving the environment,” Gadkari noted during the session.
Vision for 2025–26 and Beyond
The meeting also included discussions on the next phase of the national highway development plan for Madhya Pradesh, aligning with Vision 2025–26. The focus areas include:
- Expanding four-lane and six-lane highways to improve intercity travel.
- Upgrading existing roads for better durability and traffic efficiency.
- Addressing environmental and social challenges through improved project planning.
- Enhancing safety measures with modern signage, barriers, and smart surveillance.
Both governments agreed on periodic review mechanisms to ensure accountability and faster problem resolution. The Madhya Pradesh government also intends to identify new corridors that can connect industrial and tourism zones, creating new opportunities for investment and employment.
Benefits for Citizens and the Economy
The outcome of this meeting holds great promise for the people of Madhya Pradesh. Better highways mean more accessible healthcare and education facilities, faster emergency response, and lower vehicle operating costs for commuters and transporters. For the business community, improved logistics directly translate to reduced costs and higher competitiveness.
Moreover, robust infrastructure attracts new industries, enhances exports, and supports the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) along key routes. With better connectivity between rural and urban areas, local economies receive a much-needed boost.
As the central and state governments continue to collaborate closely, the people of Madhya Pradesh can expect a safer, stronger, and more connected road network in the coming years— paving the way for rapid economic development and enhanced quality of life.
