Key Highlights
- ₹440 crore plan to build 19 new bridges and ROBs across Ujjain.
- Major upgrade to handle massive Simhastha 2028 traffic load.
- New connectivity network to cut travel time and boost citywide mobility.
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh | November 2025: Ujjain is undergoing one of its most ambitious infrastructure upgrades as 19 new bridges and Road Over Bridges (ROBs) worth ₹440.13 crore move into construction. The projects are designed to transform mobility ahead of Simhastha 2028, when nearly 30 crore devotees will arrive in the holy city. Officials say the new network will not only reshape festival traffic movement but also provide long-term relief to daily commuters.
New Bridges to Build a Seamless Transport Grid
The government has cleared 14 river bridges and 5 ROBs at key intersections across the district. These structures will connect major pilgrimage routes, ghats, highways, and residential pockets, ensuring that vehicles can move freely without bottlenecks. A senior Public Works Department official said the expanded network would create a “continuous mobility loop around Ujjain”, linking temples, festival zones, and all major entry points.
| S.No. | Work Name | Cost (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Construction of a new railway over-bridge in place of the old railway under-bridge at Ujjain–Badnagar Road, Level Crossing No. 23 (Ujjain–Nagda rail section km 48/9-10) (Balance work) | 4.86 |
| 2 | Construction of ROB at Level Crossing 7/19–21 on Indore–Dewas–Ujjain railway line (Vikram Nagar–Kachha) | 25.44 |
| 3 | Construction of a parallel ROB between Indira Gandhi Square and Chamunda Mata Square (Freeganj ROB) in Ujjain city | 91.77 |
| 4 | Construction of a high-level bridge (Vakpankar Bridge) parallel to existing one on Kshipra River on Harifatak–Ring Road (Indore Road, Daudkhedi), Ujjain district (with road work) | 16.07 |
| 5 | Construction of a parallel submersible bridge (60m) on Mangalnath–Kamed Road near the existing culvert, behind Mangalnath Temple (with road work) | 9.26 |
| 6 | Construction of a new 2-lane bridge parallel to the existing bridge on Kshipra River from Pipli Naka to Bhairavgarh Road | 14.52 |
| 7 | Construction of a new parallel bridge to the existing bridge on the eastern side of Narsingh Ghat | 10.41 |
| 8 | Construction of access road from Kal Bhairav Mandir–Bhairavgarh Jail–Siddhavat to Bhairavgarh Square and from Siddhavat to Angareshwar Mahadev Temple | 14.56 |
| 9 | Construction of a new 4-lane bridge on Kshipra River on Bhukhi Mata Lal Pul access road from Kark Raj Parking | 16.91 |
| 10 | Construction of bridge over Kshipra River on Tapobhumi–Hamukhedi Road, Ujjain (with road work) | 20.38 |
| 11 | Construction of a new 4-lane bridge on Kshipra River from K.D. Gate (Shri Durgadass Ki Chhatrhi) to Gonsa Road | 19.99 |
| 12 | Construction of bridge over Kshipra River at Kartik Chowk–Shankaracharya Chowk Road (Chhota Pul), Ujjain | 27.06 |
| 13 | Construction of new 4-lane bridge on Kshipra River parallel to the existing railway bridge at Lalpul downstream stream | 17.69 |
| 14 | Construction of a new 2-lane parallel bridge on Kshipra River from Kaal Bhairav Mandir to Gadkalika Road (Omkleshwar) near the existing bridge | 13.96 |
| 15 | Construction of one additional ROB parallel to the under-construction ROB at Level Crossing No. 7 on Ujjain–Lalpur–Maksi Road (Panchkroshi Road) | 37.62 |
| 16 | Construction of additional 2-lane ROB in front of ITI on Ujjain–Maksi Road parallel to old ROB No. 2 on Ujjain–Indore rail section | 49.30 |
| 17 | Construction of a new 4-lane bridge over Kshipra River on MR-24 Indore Road to Chintaman Railway Station Road (with road work) | 18.71 |
| 18 | Construction of 4-lane bridge over Kshipra River towards village Sikandri behind Triveni Hills Colony (Completed by Municipal Corporation) | 16.22 |
| 19 | Proposed 4-lane bridge on Kshipra River from Gau Ghat Pala towards Savarakhadi (Completed by Municipal Corporation) | 19.86 |
Key Structures Transforming the City
Several projects stand out for their citywide impact:
- Harifatak Bridge Expansion (₹371 crore): Being widened to four lanes to decongest central Ujjain.
- Freeganj Overbridge: Expected to ease pressure around the railway station.
- Simhastha Corridor River Bridges: 14 new bridges supporting multi-directional festival logistics.
- Outer Ring Road ROBs: Five new overpasses for smoother interstate and heavy vehicle movement.
All structures are being built with high-load capacity, LED lighting, drainage upgrades, and modern engineering standards to withstand extreme festival traffic.
Safer, Faster Routes for Pilgrims
With Simhastha expected to witness unprecedented footfall, the bridges are being designed with dedicated emergency lanes, pedestrian pathways, and guard railings for safer movement. Each structure will also feature CCTV surveillance and will be linked to Ujjain’s central traffic control hub. Ujjain Development Authority Commissioner Ashish Pathak said the objective is to create future-ready mobility, not just handle festival crowds.
Economic Boost for Local Trade and Tourism
Better connectivity is expected to improve access between Ujjain and key neighbouring cities like Indore, Dewas, and Ratlam. This will cut travel time by up to 40%, reduce fuel consumption, and strengthen logistics for local industries. Tourism officials say the improved road network will stimulate growth in hotels, pilgrimage services, and transportation businesses.
Part of Ujjain’s ₹20,000 Crore Simhastha Master Plan
The bridge and ROB network is one pillar of the city’s massive development plan for Simhastha 2028. Other major projects underway include:
- 581 km of road widening
- MR-22 Riverfront Road (₹193 crore)
- 29 km of new ghats
- Kanh Diversion Closed Duct Project (₹919 crore) to improve Shipra’s water quality
Together, these projects aim to make Ujjain one of India’s best-equipped cities for large-scale spiritual tourism.
CM Dr. Mohan Yadav: “A New Era of Connectivity for Ujjain”
During a recent review, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said the new bridges symbolise modern urban planning combined with spiritual heritage, ensuring that devotees reach every holy site safely and efficiently during Simhastha 2028.
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