Key Highlights
- ₹371 crore four-lane expansion to ease Ujjain’s daily traffic load.
- Major mobility upgrade ahead of Simhastha 2028.
- Bridge to serve as a key entry–exit route for pilgrim vehicles.
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh | November 2025: A major push to decongest Ujjain’s busiest stretches is underway as the Harifatak Bridge — a key connector between Indore Road, Dewas Road, and central Ujjain — is being expanded to four lanes. The project, costing ₹371.11 crore, is being executed by the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC). Officials say the upgraded bridge will dramatically improve mobility for local residents and ensure smoother movement during Simhastha 2028, when crores of pilgrims are expected to arrive in the city.
A Critical Fix for Daily and Festival Congestion
For years, Harifatak Bridge has remained a severe bottleneck, especially during peak hours and past Simhastha gatherings. With its four-lane expansion, long queues and slow-moving traffic are expected to drop sharply. An MPRDC official said the project is designed as a long-term solution to Ujjain’s recurring traffic stress.
Stronger Connectivity for Simhastha 2028
The widened bridge will offer uninterrupted access between the Mahakal Corridor, the Railway Station, and the outer ring roads. It will also become one of the primary entry and exit routes for vehicles heading to the Simhastha mela area from Indore, Dewas, and nearby districts. This upgrade aligns with the state government’s broader ₹20,000 crore Simhastha development plan.
Modern Design, Safer Travel
The new structure includes:
- Four-lane deck with dedicated pedestrian pathways
- LED illumination and CCTV-based traffic monitoring
- Anti-skid surface to reduce monsoon accidents
- Upgraded drainage to prevent waterlogging
- Emergency lane for ambulance and fire services during the mela
These features will not only ease traffic pressure but also improve overall road safety.
Long-Term Benefits for Ujjain Residents
Beyond festival preparations, the expansion is expected to benefit 6 lakh local residents, cutting commute times and supporting local trade. With links to the MR-22 Riverfront Road and Freeganj overbridge, the bridge will form a major part of Ujjain’s growing smart mobility network. Ujjain Development Authority Commissioner Ashish Pathak said the upgraded bridge would become “the city’s main mobility artery”.
Part of a Wider Urban Transformation
The Harifatak Bridge expansion falls under Ujjain’s ongoing infrastructure overhaul, which includes:
- 581 km road widening
- 19 bridges and ROBs (₹440 crore)
- MR-22 Riverfront Road (₹193 crore)
- Citywide smart traffic systems
These projects aim to make Ujjain one of India’s best-prepared cities for large-scale religious tourism.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav Reviews Progress
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav recently inspected the site, calling the project a symbol of Ujjain’s commitment to combining “devotion with development” before Simhastha 2028.
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