Indore (Madhya Pradesh): With the construction of a road over bridge (ROB) underway near Mangliya Station in Indore, gate number 45 under Western Railway’s Ratlam division is set to be closed, prompting a planned diversion of vehicular traffic.

Water resources minister Tulsiram Silawat convened a review meeting on Sunday at Residency Kothi to ensure the smooth implementation of the diversion strategy and to minimise inconvenience to the public.

The meeting was attended by officials from the Public Works Department, Railways, National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), BPCL, Police Department, construction agency representatives, and public representatives.

Silawat instructed officials to conduct a detailed survey of all proposed diversion routes and to promptly address any road-related issues. He emphasised that damaged roads should be repaired, potholes must be filled and necessary stoppers and barricades should be installed to guide traffic safely and efficiently.

“Citizens must not face any difficulty while using the alternative routes,” said Silawat. “Information boards and signage should be put up in areas such as Hatunia, Sanwer Bypass, Mangliya, and Shipra to guide commuters. Public awareness is vital, and people should be informed that this construction is ultimately for their benefit,” he added.

The minister also issued a strong directive to railway authorities and the construction agency to maintain high standards in the quality of materials used for the ROB. “This route will bear heavy traffic during Simhastha 2028 and any negligence in quality or delays in the work will not be tolerated,” he warned.

The ROB project is expected to significantly ease future traffic congestion and enhance connectivity in the region, especially ahead of the large-scale religious gathering during Simhastha. The government aims to ensure that the transition is smooth and that the public remains informed and minimally impacted throughout the construction period.

As per the diversion plan:

• The Tarana–Mangliya–Vyaskhedi road (PWD route) will be closed from Hatunia to Mangliya.

• Alternative routes for regular traffic will run from Mangliya to NH-52 via Kshipra (Budhi-Barlai), onwards to Hatunia and Sanwer.

• For trucks transporting inflammable materials from HPCL, IOCL, and BPCL to other districts via Ujjain, the route will be Mangliya to NH-52 via Kshipra (Dewas), and then to Ujjain via NH-752D (Kshipra–Ujjain Bypass Road).