Madhya Pradesh to Get Four-Lane Badnawar–Timarwani Highway, Cabinet Approves ₹3,839 Crore.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a four-lane highway corridor between Badnawar and Timarwani in Madhya Pradesh at an estimated cost of ₹3,839.42 crore.

The project involves developing an 80.45 km stretch of National Highway-752D, connecting Badnawar, Petlawad, Thandla, and Timarwani. Upon completion, the corridor will link Ujjain with the Timarwani interchange of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, reducing travel time along the route by about one hour.

The highway will pass through tribal areas of Dhar and Jhabua districts, with parts of Dhar district included under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Blocks Programme. It will feature six major bridges, 34 minor bridges, and one road under bridge, along with nine vehicle underpasses, 29 light vehicle underpasses, and four small vehicle underpasses.

Construction is expected to take 24 months under the hybrid annuity model, with a concession period of 17 years, including two years for construction and 15 years for operation and maintenance.

Officials said the project will strengthen regional connectivity, support economic activity, and enhance freight movement in Dhar and Jhabua districts. The existing road operates as an intermediate-lane stretch with speeds of 20–50 kmph due to limited road geometry. The upgraded highway will allow speeds of 80–100 kmph and provide a continuous four-lane link between Ujjain and the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway.

The corridor also forms part of the shortest route connecting Gujarat and Maharashtra with Ujjain, and the upgraded highway is expected to manage higher traffic volumes, including during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in April 2028, while improving access to industrial hubs and logistics centers in Indore, Pithampur, Ujjain, and Dewas.