For Prelims: Greenfield Expressway, BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) Project, Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC), Total cost, Total length, Number of corridors, Nodal body, Chief Minister
For Mains: Greenfield expressways, BOT divestment, Viksit Madhya Pradesh Sankalp Path
Source:
The Hindu
5 facts for one-day exams
SSC, railway, police and teaching exams ask direct questions like these.
- MP cabinet approved ₹63,296 crore for five greenfield expressway corridors.
- Total length of corridors: 1,398 km.
- The corridors are four-lane and access-controlled.
- The implementing agency is the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC).
- The Highway Fund was renamed as 'Viksit Madhya Pradesh Sankalp Path'.
Why in the news?
Madhya Pradesh cabinet, chaired by CM Mohan Yadav, approved ₹63,296 crore for building five greenfield expressway corridors (1,398 km) to boost road connectivity across the state. The project, executed by MPRDC, includes four-lane access-controlled highways and a renamed Highway Fund as 'Viksit Madhya Pradesh Sankalp Path'.
Summary
- The Madhya Pradesh cabinet approved the five greenfield expressway corridors at an estimated cost of ₹63,296 crore; the decision was reviewed at the 49th board meeting of the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC), chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav.
- Total length: 1,398 km; includes Bhopal–Mandsaur (258 km), Sagar–Satna (227 km), Jabalpur–Ashapur (358 km), Bhopal–Gwalior (320 km), Katni–Singrauli (235 km).
- Highway Fund renamed as 'Viksit Madhya Pradesh Sankalp Path'.
- Board approved 100% divestment in Jaora–Nayagaon BOT project, creation of senior posts, acquisition of PAM Building, and toll exemption for combine harvesters.
Highlights
Five Greenfield Corridors
MP cabinet approved five access-controlled, four-lane expressway corridors totalling 1,398 km at ₹63,296 crore.
MPRDC Board Decisions
The 49th board meeting also approved 100% divestment in Jaora–Nayagaon BOT project and renamed the Highway Fund.
Toll Exemption for Farmers
Combine harvesters exempted from toll charges at all MPRDC-operated plazas.
Background
Madhya Pradesh, India's second-largest state by area, has been focusing on improving its road infrastructure to boost economic growth and connectivity. The Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC) is the nodal agency for developing state highways and expressways. The cabinet's approval for five greenfield corridors is part of a larger push to modernise the state's road network.
Way Forward
Feasibility reports for the first three corridors are being prepared; DPR tenders for the remaining two are underway. CM Yadav's directive to expedite projects and ensure all-weather connectivity for every village, town and city indicates a comprehensive rural-urban road development approach. The toll exemption for combine harvesters will benefit the agricultural sector.
Madhya Pradesh connection
Matters for these Madhya Pradesh exams:MPPSC 9/10MPESB 8/10
Background GK
Textbook concepts you need to understand this news
- Greenfield Expressway
- A new highway built on a completely new alignment (not widening an existing road), typically access-controlled and with limited entry/exit points.
- BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) Project
- A public-private partnership model where a private entity builds and operates a road for a concession period, after which it transfers ownership to the government.
- Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC)
- A state government undertaking responsible for planning, construction and maintenance of state highways and expressways in Madhya Pradesh.
Facts to remember
Tap a card to see the answer. Try to recall it first.
How exams will ask this
- Data: ₹63,296 crore cost; 1,398 km total length; 5 corridors
Don't make this mistake!
Examiners may swap 'greenfield' (new alignment) with 'brownfield' (widening existing road), or mix up the corridor names and lengths. Also, they may ask about the renamed fund 'Viksit Madhya Pradesh Sankalp Path' as a standalone fact.
Write these in mains answers
- Greenfield expressways, BOT divestment, Viksit Madhya Pradesh Sankalp Path
Stuck? Get it in one tap
The Madhya Pradesh government approved a big road-building project worth ₹63,296 crore. It will build five new expressways (like super highways) across the state, covering 1,398 km. These roads will connect major cities and help people and goods travel faster. The project is run by a state agency called MPRDC.
- MP cabinet approved ₹63,296 crore for five greenfield expressway corridors.
- Total length of corridors: 1,398 km.
- The corridors are four-lane and access-controlled.
- The implementing agency is the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC).
- The Highway Fund was renamed as 'Viksit Madhya Pradesh Sankalp Path'.
- Geography: Transport and Communication
- Economy: Infrastructure and Development
Related concepts: Greenfield Expressway, BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) Project, Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC)
Practice questions
Pick an answer, then read the explanation.
- Q1Easy
Which state-level corporation is responsible for implementing the five greenfield expressway corridors approved by the Madhya Pradesh cabinet?
Explanation: MPRDC is the nodal agency for developing state highways and expressways in Madhya Pradesh. NHAI handles national highways, while the other two are not directly responsible for this project.
- Q2Hard
Consider the following statements regarding the Madhya Pradesh cabinet decision on five greenfield expressway corridors:
- 1.The total cost of the five corridors is ₹63,296 crore.
- 2.The Bhopal–Gwalior corridor is the longest among the five at 358 km.
- 3.The Highway Fund has been renamed as 'Viksit Madhya Pradesh Sankalp Path'.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: the cost is ₹63,296 crore. Statement 2 is incorrect: the longest corridor is Jabalpur–Ashapur at 358 km, not Bhopal–Gwalior (320 km). Statement 3 is correct: the fund was renamed 'Viksit Madhya Pradesh Sankalp Path'.
- Q3Medium
What is the total length (in km) of the five greenfield expressway corridors approved by the Madhya Pradesh cabinet?
Explanation: The five corridors total 1,398 km. 1,298 km is too low; 1,498 km and 1,598 km are higher than the approved figure.
- Q4Medium
What is the primary objective of the five greenfield expressway corridors approved by the Madhya Pradesh cabinet?
Explanation: CM Yadav emphasised all-weather connectivity for villages, towns and cities, and the corridors link major industrial, agricultural and tourist hubs. Revenue generation and contractor employment are secondary; fiscal deficit reduction is not the goal.
Frequently asked questions
1. How much did the Madhya Pradesh cabinet approve for the five greenfield expressway corridors?
The cabinet approved ₹63,296 crore for the five corridors.
2. What is the total length of the five corridors?
The total length is 1,398 km.
3. Which body is implementing the project?
The Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC) is the implementing agency.
4. What is 'Viksit Madhya Pradesh Sankalp Path'?
It is the renamed Highway Fund of the MPRDC, announced during the board meeting.
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- Original6 November 2026 · Read story
