Bhopal, September 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday directed the suspension of toll collection at the Shahpura toll plaza in Jabalpur following damage to the Shahpura Rail Over Bridge (ROB), which has disrupted traffic and caused inconvenience to commuters.
Gadkari also directed faster execution of key road projects across Madhya Pradesh, particularly those connecting Ujjain ahead of Simhastha 2028, and asked officials to prepare an action plan to improve connectivity to Kanha National Park from Nagpur, Jabalpur and Raipur.
The directions were issued during a review meeting on National Highway projects held with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav at his residence in Bhopal.
Gadkari also sought an action plan to strengthen the road network in Balaghat and stressed that projects should be completed without delay while maintaining construction quality and road safety.
“Every project must be designed according to technical standards, particularly road safety norms. Where work is stalled because of difficulties faced by residents, solutions should be found through dialogue and coordination,” Gadkari said.
According to the state government, the Union Minister directed officials to coordinate closely with the Centre on land acquisition and forest clearance issues to prevent delays in project completion.
“Land acquisition and forest clearance cases should be pursued closely with the concerned ministries so that there is no delay in project completion,” Gadkari said.
The meeting reviewed several major projects, including the Sandalpur-Nasrullaganj bypass in Dewas district, the Ujjain-Jhalawar four-lane project, Satna-Chitrakoot four-lane project and Jabalpur-Lakhnadon-Raipur greenfield expressway. The Launi-Burhanpur link was also discussed.
Gadkari said the Atal Expressway would be constructed up to Bateshwar in Uttar Pradesh, recalling former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s association with the place.
Yadav said road projects in Madhya Pradesh were progressing rapidly and that expansion of road infrastructure was strengthening connectivity while supporting industrial activity and religious tourism.
The Chief Minister also briefed Gadkari on major ongoing projects and the state’s future road expansion plans.
Earlier on Friday, Gadkari flagged off the Mukhyamantri Sugam Parivahan Seva at Dussehra Maidan in Bhopal, marking the resumption of government bus services in Madhya Pradesh after more than two decades.
He later visited the BJP office in Bhopal, where he met party leaders and workers.
PWD Minister Rakesh Singh, Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal and senior officials from the state government and the Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry attended the review meeting.
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