Commuters in Gwalior will face significant traffic changes over the next two months as a key stretch of the city's road network is set to remain closed for construction work. The Gwalior Traffic Police has announced that the DD Mall–Moti Masjid Road corridor will be shut to all types of vehicles from June 19, 2026, to facilitate ongoing elevated road construction.

The closure will affect the route between DD Mall and Markandeshwar Mahadev Temple, as well as the stretch from Moti Masjid to the Gurudwara area. Officials said the decision has been taken to ensure the safe and timely execution of the infrastructure project, which is considered one of the city's major urban development initiatives.

The affected corridor is among the busiest traffic routes in Gwalior, connecting several commercial, residential, and institutional areas. Authorities have therefore issued a detailed traffic diversion plan to minimize inconvenience to commuters.

Alternative Routes Announced

According to the traffic management plan, vehicles traveling from Phoolbagh towards Gurudwara and Nadi Gate will be diverted through Lalbagh Pal Road. Motorists can then proceed via Hathiwala Gate and Moti Tabela to reach Nadi Gate.

For vehicles coming from Padav (New and Old Bridge areas) and heading towards Nadi Gate, traffic will be redirected from the LIC Square toward Moti Mahal. Commuters can then continue through Moti Tabela to reach their destination.

Officials have advised drivers to follow signboards and traffic personnel deployed along the diversion routes to avoid delays and confusion.

Diversions for City Centre Traffic

Vehicles traveling from Inderganj, Ram Mandir, and Chhaparwala Pul toward Phoolbagh will be rerouted through the Shan-e-Shaukat Marg and Shinde Ki Chhawani area. From there, motorists will take a U-turn near the Gurudwara before proceeding through Moti Tabela, Hathi Gate, and Baijatal Road to reach Phoolbagh.

Similarly, traffic approaching from Ramdas Ghati will be diverted toward the Nau-Gaja Road corridor. Drivers can then use the Gopanchal Parvat Road located behind DD Mall to access central parts of the city, including Phoolbagh.

Traffic officials said these routes have been selected to distribute vehicle movement efficiently and reduce congestion during the construction period.

Elevated Road Project a Key Infrastructure Initiative

The elevated road project is expected to improve long-term traffic flow and connectivity in Gwalior by reducing congestion on some of the city's busiest roads. Authorities consider the project a crucial component of urban infrastructure development and have prioritized timely completion of construction work.

Given the scale of the project, temporary traffic restrictions have been deemed necessary to ensure worker safety and facilitate uninterrupted construction activities.

Police Appeal for Public Cooperation

The Gwalior Traffic Police has urged residents to plan their journeys in advance and familiarize themselves with the revised traffic arrangements before traveling.

Officials have also requested motorists to strictly follow traffic advisories, diversion signs, and instructions issued by on-duty personnel. Cooperation from commuters, they said, will help maintain smooth traffic movement while construction work continues.

With the closure expected to remain in effect for approximately two months, authorities are encouraging citizens to use alternative routes and allow additional travel time, particularly during peak hours.

The long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony for the Indore-Ujjain Greenfield Corridor will take place on June 20 at Chandrawatiganj in Indore district. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar are scheduled to attend the event, marking the formal launch of one of the state's most significant infrastructure projects.

The corridor is being developed with a special focus on Simhastha 2028, one of the country's largest religious gatherings. Once completed, the project is expected to provide faster and more efficient travel for millions of pilgrims, tourists, and daily commuters traveling between Indore and Ujjain.

Ahead of the ceremony, Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat and Indore Collector Shivam Verma reviewed preparations at the event venue, Sagar Garden in Chandrawatiganj. Officials inspected arrangements related to security, traffic management, parking facilities, electricity supply, drinking water, seating, and stage construction.

Authorities have directed all concerned departments to complete preparations on schedule and ensure smooth coordination for the successful conduct of the program.

Key Features of the Project

The Indore-Ujjain Greenfield Corridor will be a 48.10-kilometre access-controlled four-lane highway with provisions for future expansion. The route will begin near the Pitra Parvat area of Indore and extend up to the Simhastha Bypass region in Ujjain.

The project is being implemented by the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC) under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). The estimated construction contract value stands at approximately ₹1,089 crore.

Officials believe the corridor will emerge as one of the most important transportation links in the Malwa region, connecting major religious, industrial, and urban centers.

Travel Time to Reduce Significantly

One of the biggest benefits of the project will be a substantial reduction in travel time between Indore and Ujjain. The journey, which currently takes considerably longer during peak traffic hours, is expected to be completed in just 30 to 35 minutes once the corridor becomes operational.

The new route is also expected to ease congestion on the existing highway and provide a dedicated high-speed connection between the two cities.

Improved connectivity between Indore Airport and Ujjain will further benefit tourists and pilgrims visiting the Mahakaleshwar Temple and other religious destinations in the region.

Boost for Tourism and Economy

Officials view the corridor as more than just a road infrastructure project. It is being planned as a strategic religious, tourism, and economic corridor that will support regional development.

The project is expected to strengthen connectivity between Mahakal Lok, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Indore Airport, and key industrial hubs across the Malwa region. Improved transportation infrastructure is likely to encourage investment, boost trade activities, and generate new economic opportunities.

Tourism stakeholders also anticipate a rise in visitor numbers due to easier access to major pilgrimage centers.

Target Completion Before Simhastha 2028

The construction agency has been given approximately 24 months to complete the project. The state government aims to ensure that the corridor is fully operational before the commencement of Simhastha 2028.

With preparations now entering the execution phase, the project is expected to play a crucial role in managing future pilgrimage traffic while supporting long-term urban and economic growth across central Madhya Pradesh.

The Indore-Ujjain Greenfield Corridor is widely regarded as a transformative infrastructure initiative that could redefine connectivity and development in the region over the coming years.

The deadlock between Bhopal Municipal Corporation and NHAI over sewage line work on Ayodhya Bypass ended after minister Krishna Gaur intervened during a high-level meeting. The ongoing dispute between the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) over sewage pipeline work along the Ayodhya Bypass has finally been resolved following the intervention of Madhya Pradesh minister Krishna Gaur. The issue was linked to the city’s ambitious 16-kilometre-long 10-lane Ayodhya Bypass project and had stalled crucial sewage infrastructure work affecting more than five lakh residents.

A high-level meeting was held in Bhopal where minister Krishna Gaur called officials from both departments to discuss the matter and find a practical solution. During the meeting, officials from the Municipal Corporation and NHAI reportedly engaged in a heated argument, with neither side willing to accept responsibility for the delay or communication gap.

Sources present at the meeting said the discussion continued for nearly half an hour, during which the minister expressed strong displeasure over the lack of coordination between the two agencies. Questioning the ongoing conflict between departments, Krishna Gaur reportedly asked officials whether the issue was being treated “like an India-Pakistan border”. The minister emphasised that public infrastructure projects are meant for citizens and departments must work together instead of creating obstacles that ultimately inconvenience the public. She directed both agencies to coordinate effectively and ensure that development work proceeds without further delays.

The primary dispute revolved around permission for laying sewage pipelines beneath the service roads of the Ayodhya Bypass project. Initially, NHAI had cited highway regulations and insisted that the sewage pipeline should be laid outside the 33-metre restricted zone on both sides of the road corridor. The Municipal Corporation argued that such conditions would make the project technically difficult and financially expensive.

Following the minister’s intervention, NHAI softened its earlier position and agreed to provide four metres of space on both sides of the road for laying the sewage line. Officials said three possible technical alternatives have now been identified for executing the pipeline work without affecting the highway structure.

The resolution is being viewed as a major relief for Bhopal’s urban infrastructure planning because the sewage network is directly linked to the city’s largest under-construction sewage treatment plant (STP) at Bhanpur. The 60 MLD sewage treatment plant depends heavily on this pipeline network for operation and future wastewater management.

Officials said if the dispute had continued unresolved, newly constructed roads under the Ayodhya Bypass project would eventually have needed to be dug up again for sewage work, resulting in significant public inconvenience and financial losses worth crores of rupees. Authorities believe the latest agreement will help prevent duplication of work and ensure better utilisation of public funds.

The Municipal Corporation had earlier objected to the language used in an official letter issued by NHAI, particularly the phrase “strict compliance of instructions”. Civic officials reportedly argued that such wording was inappropriate for projects related to public welfare and inter-departmental cooperation. The issue also became part of the discussion during the ministerial meeting.

After the intervention, both agencies have now agreed to work jointly on execution and planning. Officials from both departments are expected to conduct technical coordination meetings to finalise the alignment and construction schedule for the sewage network.

Urban development experts noted that infrastructure disputes between civic bodies and highway authorities are common in rapidly expanding cities, especially where large road projects overlap with underground utility systems such as sewage, water supply, and drainage lines. They said timely coordination between agencies is essential to avoid delays, cost escalation, and repeated construction work.

The Ayodhya Bypass project is considered one of Bhopal’s major road infrastructure developments aimed at improving urban connectivity and reducing traffic pressure in rapidly growing residential zones. Alongside road expansion, civic infrastructure such as sewage management and drainage systems are also being upgraded to support future population growth.

Officials indicated that work on the sewage line could begin soon after technical approvals are completed. The project is expected to benefit residents in several colonies connected to the Bhanpur sewage treatment network and improve overall sanitation infrastructure in eastern parts of the city.

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ED Raids Builder, Jeweller Premises in Chhattisgarh Over Bharatmala Links

Enforcement Directorate teams conducted early morning searches at multiple locations in Durg-Bhilai and Bilaspur on Thursday, targeting properties linked to a prominent builder-politician and a leading sarrafa businessman in connection with the ongoing probe into alleged irregularities in land compensation under the Bharatmala project.

The action, which began in the early hours, focused on financial records, property documents, and investment details at the residences and offices of those under scrutiny. Officials were seen carrying out detailed examination of papers related to several firms.

Searches in Durg-Bhilai

Teams from the Enforcement Directorate zeroed in on the premises of Chaturbhuj Rathi, director of Amar Infra (also referred to as Amar Builders), a known name in the construction sector and a BJP functionary. Raids took place at his residence and office in Durg, where officers spent hours scrutinising records of nearly half a dozen associated companies.

Local sources said the teams were particularly examining land-related transactions and investments. A separate team also visited the factory and residence of Govind Mandal in Bhilai as part of the same operation. The activity continued through the morning, with officials documenting various files.

Action in Bilaspur

In Bilaspur, a larger contingent of over 10 ED officials targeted the home and business establishment of Vivek Agrawal, a prominent jeweller running Shri Ram Jewellers in the Sadar Bazaar area. The searches are understood to be linked to financial trails connected to his brother, Vikas Agrawal, who is wanted in a separate liquor scam case and reportedly close to certain political figures.

Investigators are examining possible syndicate connections and fund movements that may overlap with the larger land compensation probe. The operation in Bilaspur appeared focused on tracing assets and transactions that could have links to the main case.

Background of the Bharatmala Compensation Probe

The current raids form part of the Enforcement Directorate’s money laundering investigation stemming from alleged irregularities in compensation payments for land acquired under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, particularly stretches of the Raipur-Visakhapatnam economic corridor.

Earlier probes by the state’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) had flagged manipulation of revenue records, including backdated mutations, partitions, and inflated claims in several villages. Patwaris and Revenue Inspectors allegedly prepared cases that were forwarded to collectors, leading to disbursement of compensation that raised red flags.

In some instances, land was reportedly purchased in the names of relatives of influential people shortly before acquisition notifications, allowing them to claim higher payouts. The EOW has already filed a chargesheet in a related matter involving around Rs 32 crore in alleged embezzlement and arrested several revenue officials, including a former SDM.

Political Names and Official Scrutiny

The scandal has drawn in names from both BJP and Congress circles, with reports of former ministers, MLAs, and senior leaders from various parties figuring in the web of connections. ED officials are tracing links through close associates and family members to establish the extent of involvement.

A dozen former collectors from districts including Raipur, Korba, Dhamtari, Bilaspur, and Durg are also under the scanner. In Korba, irregularities are said to be particularly pronounced, with questions being raised over the role of multiple collectors, including women officers who served there.

Initial findings suggest that in certain pockets, compensation was distributed in a seemingly arbitrary manner, prompting deeper financial scrutiny by the central agency.

Recent Momentum in Investigation

The Thursday operation comes days after ED teams conducted searches at eight locations in Raipur, Abhanpur, Dhamtari, and Kurud, where cash worth Rs 66.9 lakh and 37 kg of silver were reportedly seized. Those raids too were tied to the same Bharatmala land compensation irregularities.

The agency is now widening its net to include builders, businessmen, and property dealers who may have facilitated or benefited from the alleged irregularities. Property dealers and middlemen—nearly two dozen of them—have already come under the lens.

Impact and What Lies Ahead

For residents in the affected districts, the prolonged probe has brought uncertainty over land records and ongoing infrastructure work. The Bharatmala project, meant to improve connectivity, has seen its fair share of controversies regarding acquisition processes across states.

Officials familiar with the matter indicated that Thursday’s searches yielded documents that could further strengthen the money laundering case. The ED is expected to continue questioning those whose premises were searched and may issue summons in the coming days.

Further action could include attachment of properties if proceeds of crime are established. The agency is also separating its probe into the role of senior IAS officers from the state-level EOW findings against lower revenue staff.

As the investigation progresses, more details on the scale of the alleged scam and the involvement of political figures are likely to emerge. The case underscores the challenges in ensuring transparency during large-scale land acquisition for national infrastructure projects.

PM Modi Offers Prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Amid Grand Roadshow

Varanasi roadshow and temple darshan mark key leg of PM's two-day visit to constituency

Roadshow Kicks Off with Massive Turnout

Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a vibrant 14-km roadshow in Varanasi on Wednesday morning, drawing huge crowds of BJP workers and locals along the route. The procession started from Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) and wound through Lahartara, Kachahri, Ambedkar Chauraha, Chaukaghat, Teliyabag, Lahurabir, and Maidagin before reaching Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Supporters showered flowers on the convoy and danced to drum beats and traditional instruments, creating a festive atmosphere despite the morning heat.

This marks the second day of Modi's two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency—his 54th trip to Varanasi over the past 11 years and the first in 2026. His last visit was in November 2025. Initial reports from the ground indicate the crowds spilled onto streets, waving flags and chanting slogans.

Priests Welcome PM with Ceremonial Fanfare

At the temple entrance around 9:50 AM, 108 young priests, known as Batuks, gave PM Modi a traditional welcome with conch blowing and damru beats. He responded with folded hands, greeting everyone warmly. Inside, five priests led by chief priest Pandit Om Prakash Mishra performed rituals, adorning him with a garland as he offered prayers and darshan.

Modi also waved a trident during the proceedings and interacted briefly with children and other devotees in the temple premises. Local sources described the scene as charged with devotion, with the PM acknowledging supporters throughout.

Temple Visit Highlights Devotional Sequence

The darshan wrapped up smoothly by late morning, with visuals showing Modi navigating the temple corridors amid chants. Earlier, at 9:52 AM, he was seen waving to the crowd post-rituals. Party workers outside kept the energy high, though security was tight along the route.

This visit underscores Modi's deep connect with Varanasi, a city he has represented since 2014. Temples like Kashi Vishwanath hold immense cultural significance here, drawing millions annually.

Next: Ganga Expressway Inauguration

Post-temple, PM Modi headed by road to the airport alongside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. They're en route to Hardoi for the inauguration of the 594-km Ganga Expressway, linking Meerut to Prayagraj. Officials confirmed the event as a major infra push, expected to boost connectivity and cut travel times.

The expressway project, long in the works, aligns with the government's focus on eastern UP development. Ground reports suggest it could transform logistics in the region.

Crowd Response Reflects Strong Support

Locals turned out in force despite the midweek timing, lining streets from BLW onwards. At Varanasi station earlier, the roadshow had already pulled massive crowds, per visuals around 10:29 AM. BJP cadres led the celebrations, but ordinary devotees joined in, highlighting the event's broad appeal.

No major disruptions were reported, though traffic diversions were in place till noon.

Visits Boost Local Economy, Infra Focus

Such high-profile stops invariably energize Varanasi's tourism and trader economy. The PM's itinerary reflects priorities like spiritual heritage alongside projects such as the expressway. Sources familiar with the matter said planning for the roadshow began days ago, ensuring smooth logistics.

As Modi wraps up in Hardoi, eyes will be on any announcements tied to UP's growth. For now, the Kashi Vishwanath darshan stands out as a poignant moment in his packed schedule.