MP: THIS Six-Lane Greenfield Expressway To Connect Gujarat And Chhattisgarh; Check Route, Connectivity, Other Key Details

Naidunia Representative, Chhattisgarh: In a big boost to connectivity in Madhya Pradesh, the 'Narmada Pragati Path' (formerly the Narmada Expressway) is being constructed along the banks of the Narmada River. Estimated at Rs 31,000 crore, this six- to eight-lane Greenfield Expressway will connect the eastern and western ends of the state while establishing direct connectivity between Gujarat and Chhattisgarh.

Running from the river's source to the Gujarat border, the route will pass through 11 major districts in Madhya Pradesh. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is making minor route adjustments and is expected to release a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) soon.

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Narmada Pragati Path: An Overview

- Project Nature: Six- to eight-lane Greenfield Expressway

- Length in Madhya Pradesh: 906 km

- Total Proposed Route (till Gujarat): 1,300 km

- Beneficiary States: Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh

- Estimated Budget: Rs 31,000 crore

- Future Expansion: Provision to scale up to 8 lanes based on traffic pressure.

A Look At Route And Connectivity

The expressway will connect major administrative headquarters, pilgrimage sites, and tourist hubs across Madhya Pradesh, linking the corridor to approximately 30 national highways.

- Starting Point: Amarkantak (Kabir Chabutara)

- Ending Point: Madhya Pradesh-Gujarat border

- Primary Corridor: Passes through Dindori, Jabalpur, Obedullaganj, Budhni, Nasrullaganj, Sandalpur, Kannod, Indore, Dhar, and Sardarpur-Jhabua.

- Expected Regional Coverage: While the final route map has not been released, the route will cover Anuppur, Shahpura, Mandla, Narsinghpur, Hoshangabad, Khirkiya, Harda, Harsud, Mundi, Khandwa, Sanawad, Barwah, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Barwani, and Alirajpur.

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Public Amenities

Modern 'public utility centres' will be constructed along the expressway to serve passengers, tourists, and freight operators. Basic amenities, such as petrol pumps, police stations, bus terminals, restaurants, hotels, rest houses, and public restrooms, are proposed along the route.