The 22-km-long ‘Tiger Corridor’ is set to be developed as a four-lane expressway in Itarsi-Betul section of Bhopal.
The central government has imposed sanctions $758 crore for construction of the four-lane expressway. About the decision, Prime Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister.
“The construction of the four-lane expressway will change the landscape and fate of Itarsi-Betul district,” CM Yadav said.
The approval of the four-lane construction on the Itarsi-Betul section will lead to a new wave of development in the area. Regional development, including improved access to civic services and amenities, will advance at four times its current pace.
This corridor, by directly connecting Betul to Nagpur, will also play a pivotal role in connecting the north to the south. The completion of the four-lane highway on Itarsi-Betul section will make road connectivity between the northern states and the southern states smoother, simpler and more convenient.
Yesterday, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that approval has been given to convert the 22 km long Tiger Corridor in Itarsi-Betul section of National Highway 46 in Madhya Pradesh into a 4-lane expressway at a cost. $758 Crores.
“This area is a major agriculture hub and is rich in natural resources like coal, copper, graphite, lead and zinc. Widening this section to 4 lanes will reduce the time of transportation of goods across the entire area and enhance safety; at the same time, it will make it easier for farmers to access markets and mandis,” he said on X.
He pointed out that this project will include the construction of 11 tunnels and a special bridge to allow animals to cross the road safely, which will reduce road accidents and animal deaths in the surrounding wildlife areas.
“With the upgrade of this remaining 22 km stretch, the entire Gwalior-Betul corridor will become a 4-lane highway. This will shorten travel time, improve road safety in hilly areas and boost eco-tourism in Madhav National Park, Ratapani and Satpura Tiger Reserve,” the circular concluded.
