The Madhya Pradesh government has sanctioned a comprehensive infrastructure plan worth Rs 482.35 crore to manage the massive influx of pilgrims expected during the Simhastha 2028 congregation in Ujjain. The plan includes the construction of 21 bridges and rail overbridges (ROBs), with work already underway on 18 of them.
Key Projects and Benefits
The package comprises 17 bridges over the Kshipra river and four ROBs. These structures are designed to improve access to ghats and provide alternate routes for the lakhs of devotees visiting the city during the month-long religious event. Officials emphasized that the infrastructure will also benefit residents by easing chronic traffic congestion and improving connectivity across Ujjain.
Ujjain collector Roshan Singh stated, "The objective is to ensure seamless connectivity for lakhs of devotees during Simhastha while creating durable transport infrastructure that will continue to benefit residents long after the event is over."
Notable Projects
One of the key projects is a parallel ROB to the existing Freeganj bridge, a long-pending demand aimed at reducing pressure on one of the city's busiest east-west corridors. Several new bridges are also planned to connect riverfront areas and pilgrimage routes that witness heavy traffic during religious events.
Innovative Technology
In a first for the state, three of the bridges will use voided slab technology, a lightweight construction system that reduces the amount of concrete required while maintaining structural strength. Officials said that this design can cut the bridge's self-weight by up to 35%, allowing longer spans and reducing foundation costs.
Project Timeline
Of the 21 sanctioned projects, three are at the tender stage, while work on the remaining 18 has already commenced. The completion schedule is as follows: six projects by December 2026, another six by March 2027, four by July 2027, and the remaining by the end of that year.
