The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light for the enhancement and expansion of key sections of National Highway No. 347B in Madhya Pradesh. The project involves converting an intermediate lane into a two-lane highway with paved shoulders for 125.01 km on the Hiwarkhedi-Roshni-Ashapur-Rudhy section and widening a two-lane highway to four lanes for 108.643 km on the Deshgaon-Julwania section. The total project cost under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) amounts to Rs 4,415.60 crore.
This infrastructure initiative aims to improve connectivity across various districts like Betul, Khandwa, Khargone, and Barwani. The current road sections face challenges such as geometric deficiencies, sharp curves, and congestion, especially in built-up areas, which the upgrade intends to resolve effectively. An extended greenfield bypass of 16.20 km will be constructed around Khargone district as part of the project to ease traffic flow and reduce bottlenecks.
The upgraded highway corridor is anticipated to bring numerous advantages to the region, including increased travel speeds, reduced travel time, and enhanced road safety standards. Better road conditions are expected to enhance fuel efficiency, lower vehicle operating costs, and promote regional mobility and socio-economic development by facilitating smoother movement of goods and people.
The project’s strategic significance lies in economic integration as the improved NH-347B will offer seamless connectivity to various key nodes in Madhya Pradesh, linking with six PM Gati Shakti Economic Nodes, one textile cluster, two mega food parks, one industrial park, and two super thermal power plants. It will also connect with five social nodes, including the two aspirational districts of Khandwa and Barwani, and the three tribal districts of Betul, Khandwa, and Khargone.
Integration with five logistics nodes, such as two major railway stations, two airports, and one multi-modal logistics park, will further bolster the transport network. This development aligns with the government’s broader vision of enhancing national highway infrastructure to foster inclusive growth, accommodating growing traffic volumes and ensuring safer travel for residents and visitors. Local communities are expected to benefit from increased economic opportunities, better market access, and improved health and education services due to enhanced connectivity.
The approval underscores the ongoing focus on infrastructure development in central India, with the project expected to play a crucial role in unlocking the region’s potential by reducing logistics costs and attracting investments. Authorities will now move forward with implementation, ensuring timely execution and adherence to quality standards to maximize the project’s benefits for the people of Madhya Pradesh.
