New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Narendra Modi, approved the NH-752D project to build a four-lane corridor between Badnawar, Petlawad, Thandla and Timarwani in Madhya Pradesh. The project carries a total cost of ₹3,839.42 crore.
The corridor will stretch 80.45 kilometres and will be built under the Hybrid Annuity Mode. Officials said the route will connect Ujjain to the Timarwani interchange of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway.
The main aim of the NH-752D project is to improve travel efficiency. Authorities expect the upgraded road to cut travel time by nearly one hour.
At present, the Badnawar–Timarwani stretch is an intermediate lane road with poor geometry. Vehicles currently move at speeds between 20 and 50 kmph. After the upgrade, vehicles can travel at speeds of 80 to 100 kmph.
The Ujjain–Badnawar section of 70.40 km has already been widened from two lanes to four lanes. The new upgrade will therefore complete the continuous four-lane connectivity from Ujjain to the expressway interchange.
NH-752D project to strengthen inter-state connectivity and logistics
The NH-752D project corridor runs through tribal regions in Dhar and Jhabua districts. Parts of Dhar district fall under the Aspirational Blocks Programme of NITI Aayog.
Officials said the road forms the shortest route for traffic travelling from Gujarat and Maharashtra to Ujjain. The upgraded road will therefore improve inter-state connectivity.
The government also expects the project to help manage traffic during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela scheduled in April 2028. Large numbers of pilgrims are expected to travel to Ujjain during the event.
The project will also reduce logistics costs and improve movement of goods. Industrial hubs at Indore, Pithampur, Ujjain and Dewas are expected to benefit from the improved road connectivity.
The corridor will include six major bridges and 34 minor bridges. It will also feature one road under bridge and multiple vehicle underpasses. Construction is expected to take 24 months, while the concession period will extend to 17 years including operations and maintenance.
