A new four-lane Greenfield Highway is being constructed to link Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand in Madhya Pradesh. Spanning a total distance of 105 kilometers, the project is estimated to cost Rs 2,000 crores. This highway aims to connect all major tourist destinations in Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand, simplifying access for travelers.
This vital infrastructure initiative is anticipated to significantly boost tourism and economic activities in both regions. By providing seamless connectivity to various tourist attractions, the highway is expected to foster growth in local businesses and enhance the overall tourism experience.
Key tourist sites such as Orchha, Khajuraho, and Panna in Bundelkhand, along with Bandhavgarh in Baghelkhand, will be more accessible. As a result, tourism is projected to thrive, yielding substantial economic advantages for the areas involved.
The project was officially announced by Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on January 23, 2023. Once completed, the highway will improve connectivity between crucial locations including Tikamgarh, Panna, Chhatarpur, Khajuraho, and Bandhavgarh.
Furthermore, the highway will enhance access from Bundelkhand in Uttar Pradesh, providing a faster route to the Sagar-Kanpur and Bhopal-Lucknow Economic Corridors. This improved connectivity is expected to transform the regions, promoting economic growth and making these historically rich areas more accessible to tourists.
Historically, Bundelkhand has faced challenges due to inadequate road and rail infrastructure. However, significant efforts are being made to improve connectivity, with this highway project poised to have a major impact. Tourists arriving in Jhansi will soon benefit from well-developed roads that facilitate easier access to key attractions in the area.
This development will not only enhance the travel experience for visitors but also stimulate growth for local businesses in tourist centers, villages, and small towns along the route. Destinations such as the World Tourism Center at Khajuraho, Orchha, Datia, Jhansi, and Mahoba are expected to receive a boost.
Additionally, historical sites like the temples and diamond mines of Panna, the Panna Tiger Reserve, and the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, along with nearby religious and cultural areas, will likely see increased attention and visitation due to these improved connections. This project promises to transform Bundelkhand into a more accessible and thriving tourist destination.
