Rs 3.8k crore 4-lane highway to link Ujjain to Delhi-Mumbai expressway for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028

Rs 3,839.42 crore four-lane highway project approved to link Ujjain directly to Delhi-Mumbai Expressway via Badnawar. (AI Image)

The link will act as a vital high-speed gateway for the estimated 50 lakh visitors per day during major holy baths of Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028.

"The 80.45 km four-lane corridor connecting Badnawar, Petlawad, Thandla and Timarwani, will bridge the gap between Ujjain and Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (DME), significantly enhancing connectivity ahead of Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028," said NHAI Project Director (Ratlam) Sandeep Patidar. (AI Image)

By upgrading the current 5.5 m wide intermediate-lane road to a high-speed four-lane highway (80-100 kmph), travel time is expected to be reduced by roughly one hour. (AI Image)

NHAI aims to open the highway by March 2028, ahead of the Simhastha month in April 2028. (AI Image)

"The new route would save travellers approximately 35 km in distance," NHAI Project Director (Ratlam) Sandeep Patidar said, allowing commuters to avoid Indore’s congested roads. (AI image)

Commuters from Gujarat can stay on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway until Thandla instead of exiting at Godhra, easing access to industrial hubs and Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) in Indore, Pithampur, Ujjain, and Dewas, and also serving PM Mitra Park in Dhar. (AI Image)

"Construction is slated to begin on April 1, 2026, following the opening of tenders on March 18," NHAI Project Director (Ratlam) Sandeep Patidar added.

Ujjain Divisional Commissioner Asheesh Singh said the city is preparing for heavy traffic, with this corridor serving as a vital link for pilgrims from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. (AI Image)

The Directorate of Urban Administration and Development has a Mobility Master Plan including 2,400 buses, a 13.11 km river transport route along the Kshipra River, and flyovers/underpasses at Harifatak Square and Kartik Mela Ground to manage peak pilgrimage traffic. (AI Image)