Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on November 10 inaugurated the foundation-laying ceremony for development and renovation projects worth ₹1,211.34 crore in Ujjain, announcing major relief measures for families and shopkeepers affected by road-widening projects.
The Chief Minister assured that families who voluntarily surrender their houses for road expansion would receive free residential accommodation, while affected shopkeepers would be provided alternative commercial spaces.
Addressing a Deepawali Milan Samaroh, the Chief Minister also announced that the foundation stone for a much-awaited zoo and rescue centre in Ujjain would be laid on November 17.
He further highlighted preparations for the grand Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028 and the government's commitment to strengthening infrastructure and religious tourism in the city.
Farmers to Receive Four Times the Land Compensation
Highlighting the government's commitment to infrastructure development, Dr Yadav said farmers whose land is being acquired for road construction in the Simhastha Mela area would receive compensation at four times the applicable land value.
Compensation cheques have already been distributed to affected farmers, ensuring that development projects move forward while recognising the interests of landowners.
Free Housing for Families Affected by Road Widening
In a significant announcement, the Chief Minister directed the Ujjain Municipal Corporation and district administration to prepare a multistorey housing scheme for families who have lost their homes due to road-widening projects.
He assured that the state government would take responsibility for providing them with free houses.
He also announced relief for shopkeepers whose establishments have been affected. Alternative markets will be developed at designated locations by the Ujjain Development Authority (UDA) and the Municipal Corporation to provide shops to affected traders, including tenants.
Emphasising the government's people-centric approach, Yadav said urban development should not come at the cost of people's livelihoods or leave families without shelter.
Ujjain Development Gets Major Infrastructure Boost
The Chief Minister said the state government has accorded top priority to infrastructure development in Ujjain and other Tier-2 cities of Madhya Pradesh.
The projects worth over ₹1,211 crore include development and renovation works connected with the city's religious, cultural and urban infrastructure. These include the Angareshwar Mahadev Temple, situated on the banks of the Shipra River, and the Garhkalika Mata temple complex, an important Shakti Peeth in North India.
Roads and sewer lines are also being expanded across the Simhastha Mela area ahead of the 2028 religious gathering.
Zoo and Rescue Centre to Come Up in Ujjain
Announcing another major initiative, Dr Yadav said the foundation stone for Ujjain's proposed zoo and rescue centre would be laid on November 17. The project is expected to add a new attraction to the city's tourism infrastructure while strengthening facilities for wildlife rescue and conservation.
Simhastha 2028 Preparations Gather Pace
Highlighting Ujjain's transformation since 2022, the Chief Minister credited the development of the Mahakal Lok corridor and the expansion of religious tourism for bringing significant changes to the city.
He also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's role in promoting religious tourism through projects such as the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and Mahakal Lok.
Stating that preparations for Simhastha 2028 are progressing rapidly, Yadav said the government is committed to organising a grand and दिव्य religious gathering while ensuring long-term infrastructure development.
The Chief Minister also extended Bhai Dooj greetings and participated in the Deepawali Milan समारोह, which was formally inaugurated by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
With investments exceeding ₹1,211 crore, fourfold land compensation for affected farmers, free housing for displaced families and alternative commercial spaces for traders, the announcements mark a major push towards Ujjain's infrastructure development ahead of Simhastha 2028.