Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav chaired the Cabinet meeting at the Mantralaya on Tuesday. The Cabinet approved Rs 1,757.57 crore for upgrading and constructing the Bhopal–Vidisha road from two lanes to four lanes as a concrete step towards developing Bhopal as a metropolitan region.
The project is expected to accelerate industrial investment and facilitate systematic infrastructure development. Passing through prominent locations such as Sanchi Stupa and the Tropic of Cancer, the road will further strengthen regional connectivity. The Cabinet also approved extension of user fee collection on the Bhopal Bypass till 2031 with a view to upgrading the existing four-lane bypass to six lanes.
With the objective of developing Bhopal as a metropolitan city, the Cabinet approved Rs 1,757.55 crore for construction of the 44.830-km Bhopal–Vidisha road as a four-lane highway with paved shoulders. The project is expected to boost industrial investment and infrastructure development.
40% of the total project construction cost, including GST, will be borne by the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation from the State Highway Fund during project implementation. The remaining 60% of the construction cost will be paid through the state budget over the 15-year operation period. In addition, Rs 364.41 crore towards pre-construction activities, including land acquisition and other works, as well as supervision charges, will be paid through the state budget.
The Bhopal–Vidisha road (State Highway-28) begins at the Bhanpur T-junction on Ayodhya Bypass and ends at the Sanchi-Salamatpur junction on National Highway-146. It connects Bhopal and Vidisha districts via Bhanpur, Chopda Kalan, Sukhi Sevania, Dob, Balampur, Diwanganj and Salamatpur.
Sanchi Stupa in Raisen district is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Tropic of Cancer also crosses the Bhopal–Vidisha road at kilometre 24.550, adding to its geographical significance.
