Ujjain readies for Kumbh 2028 with highway expansions and urban projects
With the Simhastha Kumbh 2028 approaching, Ujjain is witnessing a surge in infrastructure development. Multiple highway projects and internal road upgrades are moving from planning to execution, alongside policy measures for new housing and satellite townships.
According to revenue department sources, property registrations in Ujjain and Indore saw a major rise in 2024. Land prices along key highway corridors and urban expansion zones are increasing, drawing strong investor interest. Local real estate analysts attribute this to infrastructure upgrades and favourable policies under the new masterplan.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced several road projects in and around the city. District Collector Roushan Singh listed over half a dozen highway projects—either new construction or lane expansion—to improve connectivity to Garoth, Jhalawar, Nagda, Badnawar, Indore and Bhopal. Additionally, 15–20 internal road widening works are planned, though exact locations were not specified.
Major highway projects include: Ujjain–Jhalawar four-laning upgrade (now in construction phase, expected to improve connectivity with Rajasthan); Ujjain–Garoth greenfield corridor (early stages, land acquisition underway); Ujjain–Nagda six-laning upgrade (phased capacity augmentation, finalisation pending); Ujjain–Jaora greenfield highway (land acquisition stage, facing farmer resistance over compensation); Ujjain–Indore six-laning (largely operational); Ujjain–Badnawar four-laning (most stretches completed); Ujjain–Dewas-Bhopal expansion (ongoing widening); and Ujjain–Maksi four-laning (sanctioned, construction soon).
Within the city, arterial routes such as Indore Road, Dewas Road, Agar Road and Nagda Road are being upgraded. Works include widening carriageways, redesigning junctions and easing congestion near key temples and ghats. Other focus areas include development of major ghats like Triveni and Mangalnath.
While these projects aim to manage increased traffic during the Kumbh, challenges such as land acquisition delays and farmer protests over compensation could affect timelines. Officials remain optimistic that the phased approach will improve connectivity and support urban growth.
