Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for nine National Highway projects with a combined worth of Rs. 2,367 crore, spanning a total length of 225 km. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Union Minister Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of State Faggan Singh Kulaste, Madhya Pradesh BJP State President V.D. Sharma, State Minister Prahlad Singh Patel, State Minister Rakesh Singh, and various MPs, MLAs, officers, and officials.
Among the unveiled projects is a 1.5 km-long bridge over the Jamni river on the Tikamgarh-Jhansi road, constructed at a cost of Rs. 43 crore. This strategic infrastructure development facilitates easier access to Orchha, a prominent tourist destination renowned for Rajaram’s temple. Additionally, a road with a 2-lane paved shoulder from Chandia Ghat to Katni Bypass has been initiated, promising a transformative impact on connectivity to the coal mines of Katni, thereby benefiting the coal mining industry. The widening of the Bamitha-Khajuraho road is expected to enhance tourism in Khajuraho while contributing to the social and economic upliftment of the region.
The foundation stone for several projects was laid during the ceremony, including the upgradation of the road from Gulganj Bypass to Barna River, the 2-lane road upgradation from Barna River to Ken River, and the upgradation with 2-lane paved shoulder from Shahdol to Sagartola, Lalitpur-Sagar. The scope of these projects encompasses the construction of a total of 23 VUPs (Vehicle Underpasses), bridges, and service roads in the Lakhnadon section. Furthermore, plans include the construction of three foot over bridges at Suktra, Kurai, and Khawasa, along with improvement works at two black spots in Ghunai and Banjari valley.
By Ranu Jain