Massive Highway Project Approved to Ease Pilgrimage for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028
In a significant infrastructure boost ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2028, authorities have greenlit a crucial Rs 3,839.42 crore four-lane highway project. This new corridor will directly connect the holy city of Ujjain to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway via Badnawar, promising a much smoother and faster journey for the millions of pilgrims expected to attend the grand religious congregation.
Project Details and Expected Impact
NHAI Project Director (Ratlam) Sandeep Patidar revealed that the 80.45 km four-lane corridor will link Badnawar, Petlawad, Thandla, and Timarwani. This vital link bridges the existing gap between Ujjain and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (DME), dramatically enhancing connectivity in the region. The project is being fast-tracked specifically to accommodate the massive surge in pilgrims anticipated during Simhastha 2028.
"Major 'Snan' (holy bath) days could see an influx of approximately 50 lakh visitors per day," Patidar stated, emphasizing the scale of the challenge. Currently, the intermediate-lane road is only 5.5 meters wide, forcing vehicles to crawl at speeds between 20–50 kmph. The upgrade to a high-speed four-lane highway, designed for 80–100 kmph, is expected to slash travel time by roughly one hour, a critical improvement for the pilgrimage experience.
Strict Deadline and Strategic Benefits
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has set a strict deadline to open the entire highway for traffic by March 2028, just before Simhastha commences in April. Officials highlighted that this project effectively creates a new 'Ahmedabad-Bhopal Corridor,' allowing commuters to bypass the heavily congested roads of Indore.
"The new route would save travellers approximately 35 km in distance," Patidar explained. He added that pilgrims and commuters from Gujarat can now remain on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway until Thandla to reach Ujjain, rather than exiting at Godhra for the congested Ahmedabad-Indore highway. This not only eases pilgrimage traffic but also offers broader economic advantages.
"The corridor will reduce logistics costs and provide faster access to industrial hubs and Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) in Indore, Pithampur, Ujjain, and Dewas. It will also serve the PM Mitra Park in Dhar," Patidar elaborated, underscoring the project's multifaceted benefits beyond the religious event.
Construction Timeline and Complementary Measures
Construction is slated to begin on April 1, 2026, following the opening of tenders on March 18, 2026. Ujjain Divisional Commissioner and Simhastha in-charge Asheesh Singh noted that the city is preparing for heavy traffic from all directions, with this corridor serving as a vital link for pilgrims arriving from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
To complement this highway, the Directorate of Urban Administration and Development has already prepared a comprehensive Mobility Master Plan for Ujjain. This includes:
- A fleet of 2,400 buses connecting massive parking areas to the Mela grounds.
- A 13.11 km river transport route along the Kshipra River, connecting holy sites like Triveni Ghat and Mangalnath Ghat.
- Construction of flyovers and underpasses at Harifatak Square and Kartik Mela Ground to manage peak pilgrimage traffic efficiently.
Together, these measures aim to ensure that Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028 is not only spiritually fulfilling but also logistically seamless for the millions of devotees making their way to Ujjain.
