The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the demise of prolific writer, thinker and public intellectual Shri Balbir Punj.

Shri Modi said that Shri Balbir Punj Ji was a prolific writer, thinker and public intellectual who made a rich contribution to the world of media. His writings were widely read and reflected his strong passion towards national regeneration. He noted that Shri Punj’s Parliamentary interventions were rich in facts and theory.

The Prime Minister wrote on X;

“Shri Balbir Punj Ji was a prolific writer, thinker and public intellectual. He made a rich contribution to the world of media. His writings were widely read, reflecting his strong passion towards national regeneration. His Parliamentary interventions were rich in facts and theory.

Shri Balbir Punj Ji worked tirelessly to strengthen the BJP, especially among students, professionals, scholars and intellectuals. He was in-charge of various states, including Gujarat. Fondly remember our interactions from those times. Pained by his passing. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.”

“बलबीर पुंज जी एक प्रसिद्ध लेखक होने के साथ-साथ प्रखर विचारक और सम्मानित बुद्धिजीवी थे। मीडिया के क्षेत्र में उनका योगदान बहुत सराहनीय रहा है। लोग उनकी लेखनी के कायल थे, जिससे राष्ट्र निर्माण के प्रति उनकी गहरी प्रतिबद्धता परिलक्षित होती थी । उनके संसदीय भाषणों में तथ्यों और मानवीय मूल्यों का भरपूर समावेश रहता था।

बलबीर पुंज जी ने भाजपा को सशक्त बनाने के लिए अथक प्रयास किए। विद्यार्थियों, पेशेवरों, विद्वतजनों और बुद्धिजीवियों को उन्होंने पार्टी से जोड़ने में उल्लेखनीय भूमिका निभाई। वे गुजरात सहित कई राज्यों के प्रभारी रहे। उस दौर में उनसे हुए संवाद मेरे लिए अविस्मरणीय रहेंगे। उनके निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। शोक की इस घड़ी में उनके परिजनों और मित्रों के प्रति मेरी हार्दिक संवेदनाएं। ओम शांति!”

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Cabinet approves road upgradation projects in Madhya Pradesh worth Rs. 4,415.60 Crore
June 03, 2026
Total Length-233.653 kms with cost of Rs. 4,415.60 Crore

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today has approved upgradation of the existing intermediate lane to 2 Lane with Paved Shoulder Standard (125.01 kms) of Hiwarkhedi -Roshni-Ashapur-Rudhy Section of NH-347B and widening of existing 2 lane to 4 lanes from Deshgaon-Julwaniya Section of NH-347B of length (108. 643 kms) in the State of Madhya Pradesh on Hybrid Annuity Mode at a cost of Rs.4,415.60 Crore.

The proposed upgradation of the Hiwarkhedi-Roshni-Ashapur-Rudhy & Deshgaon-Julwaniya Section of NH-347B in Madhya Pradesh will address severe geometric deficiencies, sharp curves, and congestion in built-up areas across Betul, Khandwa, Khargone & Barwani district. An extended Greenfield Bypass of Khargone district of 16.20 Km length will be developed as part of instant project. The project will increase average travel speeds, reduce travel time, and improve overall road safety, fuel efficiency, and vehicle operating costs, thereby enhancing regional mobility and socio-economic development.

The project will provide seamless connectivity to key economic, social, and logistics nodes across Madhya Pradesh. The upgraded corridor will enhance multi-modal integration by connecting with 06 PM Gati-Shakti Economic Nodes (01 Textile Cluster, 02 Mega Food Park, 01 Industrial park, 02 Super Thermal Power Plants), 5 social nodes (02 Aspirational Districts- Khandwa & Barwani, 03 Tribal Districts-Betul, Khandwa, Khargone) and 5 Logistic Nodes (02 Major Railway Stations, 02 Airports, 01 MMLP), thereby facilitating faster movement of goods and passengers across the region.

Map of Corridor 

Appendix - I: Project Details

Feature

Details

Project Name

Upgradation of the existing intermediate lane to 2 Lane with Paved Shoulder Standard (125.01 kms) of Hiwarkhedi -Roshni-Ashapur-Rudhy Section of NH-347B and widening of existing 2 lane to 4 lane from Deshgaon-Julwaniya Section of NH-347B of length (108. 643 kms) in the State of Madhya Pradesh on Hybrid Annuity Mode. (Total Length-233.653 kms)

Corridor

Betul-Khandwa-Vadodara

Length (km)

233.653

Total Civil Cost (Rs in Cr.)

2705.08

Land Acquisition Cost (Rs in Cr.)

432.77

Total Capital Cost (Rs in Cr.)

4415.60

Mode

Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM)

Bypasses

Hiwarkhedi-Roshni-Ashapur-Rudhy Section

 

Bypass Length=70.39 km

Deshgaon-Julwaniya Section

 

 

Bypass Length = 54.273 km

Major Roads Connected

National Highways – NH-47, NH-753, NH-347BG and NH-52

State Highways – SH-15 and MDR

Economic / Social / Transport Nodes Connected

Airport: Indore & Nagpur

Railway Stations: Betul, Khandwa

Multi Model Logistic Park (MMLP) : Indore

Economic Nodes: 01 Textile Cluster, 02 Mega Food Park, 01 Industrial park, 02 Super Thermal Power Plants

Major Cities / Towns Connected

Betul, Khandwa, Khargone, Barwani

Employment Generation Potential

19.50 lakhs person-days (Direct) & 23.00 lakh person-days (Indirect)