Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced plans to develop the Jabalpur-Bhopal-Indore industrial corridor, with the state targeting investments of more than Rs. 1 lakh crore by March 2028 and the creation of around 3 lakh jobs.
The decision was taken at a state cabinet meeting, Yadav told reporters. The proposed corridor aims to accelerate industrial development across the Mahakaushal region and strengthen economic activity along the Jabalpur-Bhopal-Indore route.
A fully state-owned company has been established through the Industries Department to implement the project, with the state government allocating Rs. 100 crores for the purpose. Yadav will chair the company’s governing council to facilitate decision-making and coordination among departments.
“This is not merely a road construction project but a comprehensive plan to develop the entire region industrially and economically,” Yadav said.
In the first phase, the government plans to develop between 3,000 and 10,000 acres of land for industrial activity. The corridor is expected to attract investment across sectors and create employment opportunities in the region.
According to Yadav, the project could generate direct employment for approximately 1 lakh people and indirect employment for another 2 lakhs. Over the next three years, the state expects investments exceeding Rs. 3 lakh crore and employment opportunities for more than 6 lakh people.
Focus on regional industrial development
The proposed corridor is intended to unlock industrial potential across areas stretching from Jabalpur and Narsinghpur to Raisen. The chief minister identified tourism, mining, agriculture and heavy industries as sectors that could benefit from the initiative.
He said the region already has access to essential infrastructure, including roads, electricity, water and aviation connectivity, which could support the establishment and operation of industrial units.
Jabalpur and its surrounding areas have potential for logistics-related activities, while food processing units and warehouses in Narsinghpur and Raisen could help farmers secure better prices for their produce, Yadav said.
Bhopal, meanwhile, is emerging as a centre for information technology and other technology-related activities. The government is seeking to strengthen the state capital’s role in industry, trade and business through investment promotion initiatives, including the Global Investors Summit.
The state has also decided to organise an annual tourism conclave in Bhopal. At a recent conclave, more than 120 tourism-sector industrialists expressed interest in investing approximately ₹375 crore, Yadav said.
Metropolitan development and investment plans
The government is also working to develop Dewas, Sehore, Ujjain and Indore as metropolitan cities. Yadav said the state aims to develop Jabalpur as a metropolitan city after Indore and Bhopal.
The industrial corridor forms part of the government’s broader effort to promote investment and employment across Mahakaushal, Malwa and Central India, while reducing regional disparities in economic development.
Alongside industrial infrastructure, the cabinet has approved approximately ₹3,000 crore for government schools, hostels, libraries, residential facilities and other educational institutions, Yadav said. The funding will include contributions from legislators, members of Parliament and other sources.
The corridor’s proposed investment and employment targets will depend on project implementation, infrastructure development and the response from prospective investors. The government has yet to detail the individual industrial projects expected to come up along the route.
