**Summary:**
In response to a parliamentary inquiry regarding road infrastructure improvements for the Simhastha event in Ujjain, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways outlined several initiatives. The Ministry is undertaking Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the development of the Eastern Indore bypass, four-laning of the Ujjain-Jhalawar section of NH-552G, and four-laning of the Badnawar-Timarwani section of NH-752D. These projects encompass approximately 280 km of road development with a tentative cost of ₹7000 crore. The projects will integrate essential road safety measures, including signage, ambulances, and smart traffic management systems, in accordance with Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines. While the Ministry is collaborating with the State Government of Madhya Pradesh to enhance highway infrastructure for the Simhastha Mela in 2028, the formation of a dedicated joint task force with the State Government and the Municipal Corporation of Ujjain for this purpose is not currently under consideration. The Minister of Road Transport and Highways is Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari. The original question was submitted by SHRI ANIL FIROJIYA. The question was answered on 31st July 2025.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: The Indian government ministry responsible for the development and maintenance of road infrastructure.
SHRI ANIL FIROJIYA: Member of Parliament who raised the question in Lok Sabha.
SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI: The Minister of Road Transport and Highways who provided the answer.
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: City in Madhya Pradesh, India, where the Simhastha event is to be held and road infrastructure improvements are planned.
Simhastha: A major religious event (Kumbh Mela) held in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, which necessitates infrastructure improvements.
Indian Roads Congress Codes: Standards and guidelines followed for road development and maintenance in India.
State Government of Madhya Pradesh: The state government collaborating with the Union Government for infrastructure development related to the Simhastha Mela.
NH552G: National Highway 552G, specifically the Ujjain-Jhalawar section, which is undergoing four-laning.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2005
ANSWERED ON 31STJuly, 2025
IMPROVEMENT IN ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE IN UJJAIN
2005. SHRI ANIL FIROJIYA:
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
be pleased to state:
(a) whether any budget has been approved for the
construction/improvement of temporary bypasses, link roads or
alternative routes for crowd management and emergency services in
view of the Simhastha event to be held in Ujjain, if so, the details of such
projects with budget proposed therein;
(b) whether any planning has been made for road safety measures
such as smart traffic management systems, CCTV surveillance, signage
boards etc., in view of the high traffic pressure during the Simhastha and
if so, the details thereof; and
(c) whether the Union Government in coordination with State
Government and Municipal corporation, Ujjain is forming any joint task
force to improve road quality, signage, parking arrangements and
emergency ambulance routes during the Simhastha, if so, the details
thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)
(a) to (b) To improve the connectivity to the Ujjain city, through NHs,
Government in Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has taken up
Detailed Project Report (DPR) for development of Eastern Indore bypass,
four-laning of Ujjain-Jhalawar section of NH-552G and four-laning of
newly declared Badnawar-Timarwani section of NH-752D. The totallength of these development works are about 280 Km with tentative cost
of ₹ 7000 crore. All the required signages, ambulances and smart traffic
management system are integral part of NH development
and maintenance as per Indian Roads Congress Codes .
(c) While the Government in the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
is actively working on creation of appropriate highway infrastructure in
the context of the Simhastha Mela to be organised in 2028 with the
collaboration of the State Government of Madhya Pradesh, proposal for
establishment of a specific task force for the purpose is not under
consideration at this point of time.
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