Municipal authorities in Ujjain have initiated extensive infrastructure upgrades in preparation for the upcoming Simhastha 2028, with major road expansion projects now underway across key corridors. Under this program, a critical arterial route stretching from Khajoor Wali Masjid through Abdalpura and the Jiwajiganj police station area to Ganesh Chowk has been slated for substantial widening. The stretch measures approximately 730 metres in length and is planned to be expanded to a uniform width of 15 metres to accommodate heavy future traffic. A thorough survey of the designated alignment revealed that 272 buildings fall directly within the widening zone. Among these identified structures are the ancestral residence of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav as well as the home of his elder sister, Kalawati Yadav, who serves as the municipal corporation chairperson.
Demarcation Drive and Markings by Civic Authorities
A specialized field team from the municipal corporation carried out measurements across the entire corridor, using red paint to visibly mark the precise portions of structures that encroach into the planned 15-metre street profile. Rather than seeking exceptions, the family members of the Chief Minister indicated their complete readiness to clear the marked sections of the property. Emphasizing the broader public good, the family affirmed that they remain prepared to remove any affected construction to ensure the city's infrastructure is adequately upgraded well before millions of pilgrims arrive for Simhastha.
A Family Heritage Built in 1974
The ancestral property carries significant personal history for the Chief Minister's family. It was constructed back in 1974 by Dr Mohan Yadav's grandfather, Ramchandra Yadav. Within its walls, Ramchandra Yadav's two sons, Poonamchand Yadav and Shankarlal Yadav, grew up alongside the rest of the household. Poonamchand Yadav raised five children here, including Nandlal Yadav, Narayan Yadav, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, Gyarsi Bai, and municipal corporation chairperson Kalawati Yadav. Despite the generations of personal memories rooted in the structure, civic planning requirements are being given precedence over private sentiment.
Fair Enforcement and Civic Spirit
Addressing the ongoing drive, municipal corporation chairperson Kalawati Yadav confirmed that their ancestral property is directly affected by the planned expansion connecting Khajoor Wali Masjid to Ganesh Chowk. She noted that all residents living along this stretch are like family, stressing that enforcement must remain fair and equal, completely free from political affiliations or communal divides. She added that officials would be consulted to address any genuine grievances faced by displaced residents, observing that the local community has displayed strong cooperation. Echoing similar thoughts, local BJP city general secretary Jagdish Panchal stated that his own residence also falls inside the road demarcation lines. He noted that the people of Ujjain are guided by the tradition of welcoming guests and devotees, making them supportive of the widening effort without objection.
