Mumbai, July 15 -- The Bhopal-Vidisha 45-km SH-18 four-lane highway in Madhya Pradesh has been stalled for eight months. The project, worth Rs 16.18 billion (bn), secured clearance from the State Level Environment Clearance Committee (SLEC) but has not yet received approval from the Madhya Pradesh cabinet. The delay has left the scheme in limbo and has interrupted planned timelines for construction and contracting. Project administrators report that procedural and administrative steps remain outstanding before work can recommence.
Officials said the scheme would improve connectivity between Bhopal and Vidisha and support regional economic activity, including trade and commuting patterns. Residents and business owners have expressed concern about the prolonged pause and the uncertainty it has imposed on local investment and transport plans. Contractors engaged in preparatory work have reported idle resources and revised schedules pending a final sanction. The stalled status has also affected ancillary services that had planned to support construction operations.
The SLEC clearance was obtained earlier this year but cabinet approval is a separate requirement under state procedures and has been awaited since the clearance was issued. Local administration has kept the file under review and officials have indicated that additional compliance checks may be needed before the cabinet takes a decision. Road design specifications for the four-lane SH-18 corridor remain intact in official records and no substantial on-site work has progressed owing to the approval gap. The project continues to occupy a prominent place in regional infrastructure planning documents.
Stakeholders have urged the state authorities to expedite the decision to avoid cost escalation and to realise the projected benefits. Until the cabinet acts the timeline for tendering, mobilisation and construction remains uncertain and affected parties continue to monitor developments. The pause has prompted calls for clear communication on the next steps and for a definitive schedule to be published. In the absence of a cabinet clearance the project will remain on hold.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.