The Union Cabinet approved two road projects in Madhya Pradesh with an investment of Rs 44,156 million (mn). The schemes comprise upgradation of the existing intermediate lane to two-lane with paved shoulder standard on the Hiwarkhedi-Roshni-Ashapur-Rudhy section of National Highway 347B and widening of an existing two-lane to four-lane on the Deshgaon-Julwaniya section of National Highway 347B over a length of 108.643 km. Both projects will be implemented on a hybrid annuity mode. An official statement said the proposed works will address severe geometric deficiencies, sharp curves and congestion in built-up areas across Betul, Khandwa, Khargone and Barwani districts. An extended Greenfield bypass of Khargone district of 16.20 km will be developed as part of the scheme. The statement added that the measures will increase average travel speeds, reduce travel time and improve overall road safety, fuel efficiency and vehicle operating costs. The works are designed to rectify substandard alignment and provide safer overtaking opportunities for heavy vehicles, the statement said. The upgraded corridor will provide seamless connectivity to key economic, social and logistics nodes within the state. It will enhance multi-modal integration by connecting with six Prime Minister's Gati-Shakti Economic Nodes, five social nodes and five logistic nodes, thereby facilitating faster movement of goods and passengers across the region. The statement noted that the improvements will ease movement for agricultural produce and industrial consignments, enhancing market access for producers and traders in the districts. The projects are intended to enhance regional mobility and support socio-economic development by reducing bottlenecks on a strategic stretch of the highway. Implementation on the hybrid annuity mode aims to combine public funding with private sector delivery to accelerate completion and maintenance over the concession period. The statement said implementation arrangements will include measures for timely procurement and adherence to quality standards during construction and maintenance.