Key Highlights
- Ujjain begins ₹193-crore MR-22 Riverfront Road ahead of Simhastha 2028.
- New corridor to connect Shani, Kal Bhairav and major ghats.
- Will operate as a dedicated BRT route during Simhastha.
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh | November 2025:
As preparations intensify for Simhastha 2028, Ujjain is pushing forward with a major mobility upgrade — the MR-22 Riverfront Road, a 30-metre-wide corridor being built parallel to the Shipra River at a cost of ₹193 crore.
MR-22 Riverfront Road: Ujjain’s New Lifeline Along the Shipra River
Planned by the Ujjain Development Authority (UDA), the project aims to become a key backbone for festival traffic, linking temples, ghats and major entry points expected to witness massive crowds.
Connecting Heritage Zones With Faster Access
The MR-22 Road will directly connect the Simhastha Bypass to several important religious sites, including the Shani Temple, Bhukhi Mata Temple, Ranjeet Hanuman Temple, and Kal Bhairav Temple.
Running along the western edge of the Shipra, the road is designed to cut congestion and reduce travel time for pilgrims and residents.
Officials say the project blends modern transport needs with Ujjain’s spiritual landscape, strengthening last-mile connectivity ahead of one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
Will Serve as a BRT Corridor During Simhastha
For Simhastha 2028, the MR-22 stretch will turn into a dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor, ensuring faster and safer movement of pilgrims between ghats and key locations.
Exclusive lanes for public buses, emergency vehicles and volunteer transport will help control crowd pressure in peak days.
The road will feature smart traffic systems, CCTV surveillance, digital signboards, and real-time navigation tools to guide devotees.
“This road will serve as a spiritual and physical connector — linking Ujjain’s heritage with its modern growth,”said an official from the Ujjain Development Authority.
A Boost for Tourism and Local Economy
Beyond the festival, the corridor is expected to emerge as a riverfront attraction, improving access to temples and creating new public spaces such as viewing decks, walkways and landscaped areas.
The improved connectivity between the Mahakaleshwar Corridor, Freeganj, and the city’s outer ring road is likely to enhance footfall for hotels, shops, and transport services.
Green Design With Eco-Friendly Features
The project has been planned with environmental safeguards, including controlled drainage systems to protect the river, solar-powered lighting, and plantation drives along the route.
Rainwater harvesting drains will also support Ujjain’s broader vision of a “Green and Clean Simhastha.”
Part of the ₹20,000-Crore Ujjain Development Mission
The MR-22 corridor is a key component of the State Government’s ₹20,000-crore preparations for Simhastha 2028.
Other major works include:
- 581 km of new and upgraded roads
- 29 km of additional ghats
- Kanh Diversion Project (₹919 crore)
- Large-scale Zero Waste Event systems
Together, these projects aim to position Ujjain as a national model for religious tourism infrastructure.
CM Mohan Yadav on Ujjain’s Transformation
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, during an inspection of ongoing works, said the MR-22 Road would become a “symbol of Ujjain’s modern identity,” adding that Simhastha 2028 will demonstrate how ancient faith and smart development can move forward together.
| S. No. | Name of Department / Agency | Roads Being Widened – Number of Roads | Total Length (km) | Total Cost (in Crore ₹) | New Roads Being Constructed – Number of Roads | Total Length (km) | Total Cost (in Crore ₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ujjain Development Authority | 11 | 21.68 | 447.71 | 2 | 12.14 | 207.66 |
| 2 | Ujjain Smart City Limited | 2 | 0.50 | 18.70 | – | – | – |
| 3 | Ujjain Municipal Corporation | 24 | 32.07 | 469.37 | – | – | – |
| 4 | Public Works Department | 6 | 58.07 | 406.82 | 11 | 80.70 | 102.10 |
| 5 | Public Works Department (Simhastha) | 3 | 3.90 | 51.40 | 11 | 64.84 | 458.06 |
| 6 | Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation | 6 | 160.45 | 3421.68 | 2 | 146.46 | 7952.15 |
“The MR-22 Road will redefine mobility along the Shipra and become a symbol of Ujjain’s modern identity. Simhastha 2028 will showcase how ancient faith can coexist with smart development,”said Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav while inspecting ongoing works in Ujjain.
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