Madhya Pradesh Inaugurates 950 MW in New Solar Parks

Bhopal June 29, 2026

Madhya Pradesh took another major step towards strengthening its renewable energy capacity on Monday with the inauguration of the 500 MW Neemuch Solar Park and the 450 MW Shajapur Solar Park, projects built at a combined cost of Rs 2,080 crore. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi jointly dedicated the two solar parks to the nation during a programme in Neemuch. On the same occasion, they also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development works and industrial projects worth Rs 1,553.98 crore, giving the region a dual boost in clean energy and infrastructure.

The commissioning of the two solar parks adds 950 MW of renewable energy capacity to Madhya Pradesh's growing green power network. More importantly, it reinforces the state's position as one of India's leading destinations for utility-scale solar energy.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav said the newly commissioned solar parks would supply electricity at Rs 2.14 per unit, making it among the cheapest solar power available in the country. He also laid the foundation stone for a solar glass manufacturing plant worth over Rs 1,200 crore in Neemuch and said the state was promoting employment-oriented industries through Food Parks and PM MITRA Parks.

The Chief Minister announced that Neemuch would soon be connected to Bhopal through the proposed Jaora-Ujjain highway, while a new Mandsaur-Bhopal highway would further improve connectivity across the region. Referring to wildlife conservation, he said the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary had emerged as the country's second home for cheetahs and that two more cheetahs would soon be released into the free-ranging habitat.

Highlighting the government's focus on farmers, Dr Yadav said Madhya Pradesh had procured more wheat than its target of 100 lakh metric tonnes this year and paid farmers Rs 2,625 per quintal. He said the state now provides daytime electricity for irrigation and has introduced greater flexibility in interest-free crop loans, allowing farmers to repay within 12 months from the date of borrowing instead of adhering to a fixed deadline. He also highlighted welfare initiatives, including the Ladli Behna Yojana, PM Shri Air Ambulance service and the Rahveer Yojana for road accident victims. The Chief Minister announced Rs 17 crore for development works at the Bhadwa Mata Temple complex and congratulated Neemuch for securing the top position in the Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan, honouring panchayats for their contribution to water conservation.

Over the past decade, Madhya Pradesh has steadily expanded its renewable energy footprint, beginning with landmark projects like the Rewa Solar Park and later extending the network to Mandsaur, Agar, Neemuch, Shajapur and other districts. The Neemuch and Shajapur projects are part of the larger Ultra Mega Solar Power Park programme of the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The scheme aims to create large, grid-connected solar parks with ready infrastructure, allowing private developers to generate clean electricity at competitive tariffs. According to the ministry, Neemuch has a sanctioned capacity of 500 MW while Shajapur has 450 MW, making them among the country's significant utility-scale solar projects.

For Madhya Pradesh, the significance of the projects goes beyond electricity generation. The state has emerged as an important renewable energy hub because of its vast land availability, high solar radiation and strong transmission infrastructure. The success of the Rewa Solar Park, once hailed as a model project for the country, demonstrated that large-scale solar power could be supplied at record-low tariffs while attracting national and international investors. That experience paved the way for subsequent investments in Neemuch, Shajapur and other districts.

Alongside the renewable energy projects, the government unveiled and launched development works and industrial units worth Rs1,553.98 crore. These projects are expected to improve local infrastructure, encourage industrial investment and generate employment opportunities in the region. Together with the solar parks, they reflect an approach that combines energy development with industrial growth, creating long-term economic benefits for local communities.

Neemuch already occupies a prominent place on India's solar map. The district was home to one of the country's earliest large-scale photovoltaic plants commissioned more than a decade ago. The addition of another 500 MW solar park further strengthens its identity as a renewable energy destination and underlines the district's growing role in India's clean energy journey.

With the commissioning of the Neemuch and Shajapur solar parks, Madhya Pradesh has added another milestone to its renewable energy story. As the state continues to expand its solar capacity through new parks and related infrastructure, clean energy is increasingly becoming not only an environmental priority but also a driver of industrial development, investment and sustainable economic growth.