Ujjain Simhastha 2028 Road Widening Begins Near Ganesh Chowk, 272 Buildings Affected

Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: Authorities have initiated the widening of a 730-metre road stretching from Khajurwali Masjid via Abdalpura and Jivajiganj police station to Ganesh Chowk, aiming to increase its width to 15 metres. The state government has allocated approximately Rs 9.80 crore for the road widening and development project.

This expansion is anticipated to accommodate the anticipated surge in devotees and vehicles during the upcoming Simhastha Mahaparv 2028, thereby smoothing traffic flow and benefiting residents, traders, and other commuters.

A total of 272 buildings are projected to be impacted by the widening. The Ujjain Municipal Corporation (UMC) has completed the necessary road measurements, boundary marking, and served notices to the owners of affected properties in accordance with the regulations. Commencing from Saturday, residents have begun the voluntary removal of the designated portions of their houses. Vinod Rathore and Ravindra Kumar Rathore are among the first to commence the process of removing marked sections of their properties.

During a recent inspection, UMC commissioner Abhilash Mishra reviewed the progress of the proposed road widening. He directed the officials to offer the requisite assistance and guidance to the affected property owners and residents, emphasizing the importance of completing the work within the allocated timeframe. Furthermore, the traders have urged for a postponement of the demolition and widening work until after the Diwali shopping season, apprehensive about the potential disruption to their businesses.

The existing Mirza Naeem Beg Road, which stretches from Tanky Chauraha to Telivada Chauraha, measures roughly 15-16 metres in width at various points, and the widening project will encroach upon shops and houses on both sides by approximately 3-5 feet.

Simhastha Fair Authority chairman Jagdish Agrawal defended the necessity of the road widening, asserting that it cannot be delayed beyond the Simhastha deadline. To mitigate the inconvenience faced by traders, he proposed executing the work in 150-metre sections rather than widening the entire road at once.