Cabinet approves construction of 4 Lanning of Badnawar-Petlawad-Thandla-Timarwani section of (NH-752D) of Delhi Mumbai expressway in Madhya Pradesh on Hybrid Annuity Mode worth Rs.3,839.42 crore

**Executive Summary** The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the construction of an 80.45 km, 4-lane highway section of NH-752D in Madhya Pradesh, costing Rs. 3,839.42 crore, under the Hybrid Annuity Mode. This project aims to improve travel efficiency and reduce travel time by approximately one hour upon completion. The construction period is slated for 24 months, with a concession period of 17 years. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Project Approval and Scope:** * Approval for a 4-lane corridor on NH-752D, specifically the Badnawar-Petlawad-Thandla-Timarwani section. * The corridor will be 80.45 kilometers in length. * The total capital cost for this project is Rs. 3,839.42 crore. * The project will be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode. * **Connectivity and Travel Improvement:** * The approved corridor will provide direct connectivity from Ujjain to the Timrawani interchange of the Delhi Mumbai Expressway (DME). * The primary purpose is to improve travel efficiency and reduce travel time by approximately one hour. * The upgrade will establish direct 4-lane connectivity from Ujjain to the DME with speeds of 80-100 kmph, compared to the current 20-50 kmph on a 5.5m intermediate lane section. * It serves as the shortest route for traffic from Gujarat and Maharashtra to Ujjain. * **Project Features:** * Length: 80.45 kms (comprising Greenfield and Brownfield sections). * Type of Pavement: Flexible Pavement. * Configuration: 4-Lane. * Major Bridges: 06. * Minor Bridges: 34. * Road Under Bridge (RUB): 01. * VUP/LVUP/SVUP: 9 Nos. / 29 Nos. / 04 Nos. * Construction Period: 24 months. * Concession Period: 17 Years (including 2 years construction and 15 years Operations & Maintenance). * **Regional Impact and Benefits:** * Strengthens inter-state connectivity and facilitates efficient traffic movement. * Aims to accommodate surge in traffic during events like the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in April 2028. * Provides direct and faster access to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway for tribal regions of Dhar and Jhabua Districts. * Expected to reduce logistics costs and facilitate efficient movement of raw materials and finished goods. * Strengthens access to industrial hubs/MMLPs in Indore, Pithampur, Ujjain, and Dewas. * Enhances basic infrastructure and contributes to the overall economic development of Dhar and Jhabua districts in Madhya Pradesh. **Impact Analysis** * **Commuters and General Public:** * **Impact:** Reduced travel time, improved safety, and more efficient and uninterrupted traffic movement, especially for those traveling between Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Ujjain. * **Action Required:** No specific action is required from commuters. * **Logistics and Freight Operators:** * **Impact:** Lower logistics costs, faster and more efficient movement of raw materials and finished goods, and improved access to industrial centers. * **Action Required:** No specific action is required; benefits are direct outcomes of the project. * **Tribal Regions of Dhar and Jhabua Districts:** * **Impact:** Enhanced basic infrastructure, increased accessibility to industrial hubs, and potential for economic development in the region. * **Action Required:** No specific action is required; benefits are direct outcomes of the project. * **Contractors and Developers (Implementing the Project):** * **Impact:** Responsible for the construction and maintenance of the highway section within the stipulated timeframe and according to specifications. * **Action Required:** Undertake the construction and development of the 80.45 km, 4-lane corridor within the 24-month construction period. * **Government Agencies (Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, NITI Aayog):** * **Impact:** Overseeing the project's execution, ensuring compliance with regulations, and monitoring its contribution to regional development. * **Action Required:** Continue project oversight and monitor the impact on regional infrastructure and economic development.

Key Entities Referenced