Bhopal, March 17 (NationPress) In a pivotal move that aligns with national interests, the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has endorsed the Union Cabinet's recent decision to initiate the construction of a four-lane highway corridor connecting Badnawar, Petlawad, Thandla, and Timarwani.

This corridor will stretch over 80.45 kilometers at a projected expenditure of Rs 3,839 crore, facilitating uninterrupted four-lane access from Ujjain to the Timarwani interchange on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, as explained by Chetan Kahsyap, a cabinet minister under Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

During the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, a suite of significant development initiatives was approved, aimed at improving connectivity, enhancing water security, supporting farmers, and planning for the upcoming Simhastha festival in 2028.

The revamped roadway is expected to reduce travel time by approximately one hour, boost safety, and strengthen economic ties between Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.

Chief Minister Yadav heralded this as a substantial contribution from the Union government, under the stewardship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a completion goal set for 2027 to facilitate smooth pilgrim transit during Simhastha.

To enhance urban mobility in Ujjain, the Cabinet also approved a 5-kilometer, two-lane elevated corridor from the Chimanganj Mandi intersection to Indore Road, with a budget of Rs 945 crore. This infrastructure will support efficient crowd management and security measures for the grand religious event, the minister noted.

In terms of water conservation, a Memorandum of Understanding was established with the Central Government to launch 'Jal Mahotsav' from March 8 to March 22 across villages statewide.

This festival is designed to advocate for water resource preservation and ensure tap water availability in every household under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Each Panchayat will identify two villages for recognition of frontline workers, including valve men and other staff.

Additionally, the 'Jal Ganga Abhiyan' will commence this summer, building on last year’s success of approximately 86,000 farm ponds, 553 Amrit Sarovars, 100,000 recharged wells, and over 3,300 rejuvenated urban water sources. Public representatives will be engaged in every district and Gram Panchayat during this campaign.

Farmers also received significant support, with formal approval for a Rs 40 per quintal bonus on wheat procurement, elevating the effective rate to Rs 625 per quintal alongside the central Minimum Support Price (MSP), the minister added.

In Rewa district, the 'Panwar Micro Irrigation Project' was authorized for Rs 228 crore to irrigate 7,530 hectares across 37 villages, raising irrigation coverage to 92 percent of agricultural land.

The Cabinet also sanctioned the continuation of Public Works Department projects worth Rs 4,525 crore.

In light of discussions regarding gas supply stability amid tensions in Iran, officials confirmed that the state possesses adequate reserves through ongoing collaboration with oil companies.