Bhopal, Jan 17 (NationPress) Saturday represents a significant advancement in the road infrastructure of Madhya Pradesh as Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari is set to inaugurate completed segments and lay the groundwork for new sections of eight national highway projects, collectively valued at over Rs 4,400 crore.

As per government representatives, the event is slated to take place in Vidisha at the old Mandi. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will join him, signifying the commencement of a new era of development for the state, as stated by a local BJP office-bearer.

The total length of these initiatives is approximately 181 kilometres, enhancing connectivity across Central India with a special focus on the Bundelkhand region. These improvements are anticipated to pave the way for regional economic and industrial growth, as well as facilitate smoother daily commutes.

The completion of these national highway initiatives will lead to improved traffic flow along key industrial, agricultural, and tourism routes, including the crucial Bhopal-Vidisha-Sagar-Rahatgarh-Biaora segment, according to a local BJP office-bearer.

The expansion to four lanes is designed to significantly reduce travel time, delivering tangible fuel savings, decreasing vehicle emissions, and enhancing overall road safety. Multiple stretches have undergone targeted enhancements, such as addressing black spots, constructing underpasses, and redesigning road geometries to lower accident risks.

In addition to the highway projects, foundation stones will be laid for three advanced driving training centres. These facilities, developed under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, are modeled after the Institute of Driving Training and Research and the Regional Driving Training Centre.

Equipped with state-of-the-art simulators and training setups, these centres aim to instill safe, disciplined, and responsible driving practices among learners, ultimately seeking a measurable decrease in road accidents and the creation of job opportunities for youth entering the workforce.

A notable highlight is the four-lane expansion of the 12-kilometre Abdullaganj-Itarsi section traversing the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary at a cost of Rs 418 crore. This segment serves as a crucial link within the broader Obedullaganj-Itarsi-Betul corridor, enhancing access to Nagpur via Betul.

Previously, the two-lane setup caused persistent traffic bottlenecks. Once widened, this road will enable a more seamless vehicle flow, saving between 15 and 30 minutes per journey, along with corresponding reductions in fuel consumption and emissions.

To safeguard biodiversity, the design incorporates dedicated animal underpasses and sound-insulated corridors to facilitate safe wildlife crossings, thereby minimizing human-wildlife conflicts in the area.