Indore's Popular Picnic Spot Kalakund Set For Tourism Boost As Four Bridges Planned Over Choral River

Indore's Kalakund, a popular picnic spot about 20 km from the city, is set to receive a tourism boost with the planned construction of four bridges over the Choral River. The project, expected to commence this year, aims to enhance all-weather connectivity for eight tribal villages that often face isolation during the monsoon season.

The Madhya Pradesh Rural Road Development Authority (MPRRDA) has already completed nearly 10 km of all-weather roads in 2024 while ensuring the preservation of the area's dense forests and medicinal plants. However, the lack of bridges continues to pose a significant issue during heavy rainfall, obstructing movement in the region.

Nestled amidst the Vindhya hills, Kalakund is renowned for its natural beauty, tribal culture, and traditional milk-based kalakand sweet. More than 20 homestays operate in the surrounding tribal villages, and the heritage train from Patalpani also draws visitors to the area. With improved connectivity, weekend picnics and jungle camping are expected to become more accessible, thus supporting local livelihoods and facilitating better utilization of the divisional Scout and Guide camping center.

The proposed bridges are anticipated to make travel safer and ensure better connectivity for children and families residing in remote settlements. The demand for bridges emerged during a night meeting organized by Indore Collector Shivam Verma on May 30. Lokendra Mandloi, the general manager of the Madhya Pradesh Rural Road Development Authority (MPRRDA), stated that the tender process for all four bridges has been completed, and construction will commence this year.