A road-widening work on the line between Mahakal Temple and Mahakal Chauraha in Ujjain has resumed after a court stay that had delayed the project was lifted. The move is part of preparation for Simhastha 2028 as the authorities want better traffic movement and movement of devotees in the Mahakal temple area.
Preparatory work was started on September 30, 2026, and demolition work started on October 1, local reports said. The road, which is currently 12 metres wide, is proposed to be increased to about 24 metres.
Court Stay Had Delayed the Project
The road-widening proposal had been delayed for years because of a legal dispute related to affected property owners. The process started earlier, but court proceedings prevented authorities from moving ahead with the planned widening.
After the stay was lifted, the Ujjain Municipal Corporation and Smart City authorities resumed the process. There were markings on the affected properties before starting the removal process.
According to reports, 39 structures have been identified for action along the stretch. Some of them are residential and commercial properties.
The road will be expanded from 12 metres to 24 metres.
The existing road is about 12 metres wide. Municipality wants to increase the width of the road to 24 metres under the master plan.
The widening is about improving traffic flow and managing the large number of devotees expected in Ujjain during Simhastha 2028, officials said.
The 200-metre stretch between Mahakal Temple area and Mahakal Ghati Square is a key route for visitors to the temple. The additional road space will help relieve congestion and ease movement during the heavy footfall, officials also say.
#WATCH | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: Road widening work begins from Mahakal Temple to Mahakal Chauraha after the court stay is lifted. pic.twitter.com/FIJnXVTGw6
— ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2026
Traders and Residents Raise Concerns
The widening process has also affected local shopkeepers, hotel operators and residents whose properties fall within the proposed widening zone.
According to reports, some traders asked for more time to remove their possessions. The municipal authorities gave affected traders 24 hours during the first action reported on September 30.
The local residents and traders have also expressed concerns about the impact of the project on their businesses and properties. Some have sought a narrower road, while others have questioned the time given to vacate or remove structures.
Simhastha 2028 Preparations Drive Infrastructure Work
Ujjain is implementing several infrastructure projects ahead of Simhastha Mahaparv 2028, when the city is expected to receive large numbers of pilgrims.
We are also widening roads in strategic religious and public places to improve connectivity. The Mahakal Temple corridor is especially important because of the heavy visitor movement throughout the year and more crowds during major religious occasions.
With the court stay lifted now, authorities are starting the long-delayed road-widening work. The removal of buildings and construction will continue as the project progresses.
