Madhya Pradesh: State Cabinet Approves New 41-Km South-West Bypass To Transform Bhopal's Connectivity

Prior to the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, the state government has bestowed a significant benefit upon the residents of the capital city.

On Thursday, the cabinet under Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's leadership granted approval for the construction of a 40.90 km-long South-West Bypass in the capital, with an estimated cost of Rs 2,981.65 crore, as per reports.

Currently, the existing bypass stretches for 52 km along national highway (NH)-46, starting from Gyarah Mill and concluding at Bhauri on the Bhopal-Indore route.

However, this bypass covers the city from three directions, causing vehicles heading towards Indore to travel an additional 23 km.

Authorities have long acknowledged the necessity of a western bypass in Bhopal city. The newly planned bypass, spanning 41 km, will start before Mandideep (on Obedullaganj and Mandideep road) and end on Indore Road in village Phanda Kalan.

The successful completion of the proposed western bypass will also give the state capital its much-awaited ring road.

The western bypass will establish a direct link between the Mandideep industrial zone and the industrial hub, Indore. Further, it will bring systematic development to the west side of the city.

The project involves the construction of a 6-lane structure, with a four-lane road and two-lane service road on both sides, which would be constructed by Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation.  

Along the route, one railway overbridge (ROB), two flyovers, fifteen underpasses, and two major junctions will be built. These additions will greatly enhance the functionality and connectivity of the bypass.

The construction of the project will follow the hybrid annuity model, which is a variation of the PPP model used for highway projects.

Under this proposal, the investing agency will receive 40 per cent of the contract amount in five instalments during the construction phase.

The remaining 60 per cent will be paid as a monthly annuity for the next 15 years.

The total cost of the project includes Rs 427 crore for land acquisition, Rs 19 crore for utility shift, Rs 15 crore for environment management, and the rest for the construction of the bypass.