Indore - Khandwa Highway

On our way through Madhya Pradesh, we passed a stretch known as Deshgaon Ghat, located between Chegaon Makhan Village and Deshgaon Town. The road here was tricky to navigate, with traffic being carefully managed. Smaller vehicles like cars and bikes were allowed to cross the Mortakka Bridge, while heavy trucks and multi-axle vehicles were diverted toward Indore.

Unfortunately, the condition of the route toward Sanawad was far from ideal. Huge potholes slowed us down and made the drive both uncomfortable and costly in terms of time and energy. To make matters more challenging, we discovered that the Mortakka Bridge had been closed due to heavy rains. When we finally reached it, water had already seeped onto the bridge, making it unsafe for travel.

Locals advised us not to take the Aquadug Bridge near Omkareshwar Road, as that route too had become risky. In that moment, it struck me how travel in this region depends so heavily on the monsoon. A single downpour can change the course of your journey, turning bridges and highways into unpredictable obstacles.

One of the things I noticed on this stretch was how empty the road felt—no heavy trucks or buses in sight. It almost felt like the road belonged to us alone. Still, the ride wasn’t smooth at all. I often joke on such trips, “Bhai, yeh road toh jhula jhulayega yr”—and honestly, with the constant bumps and jerks, it really did feel like sitting on a swing!

After crossing the Mortakka Bridge and later the Aquadug Bridge, I finally reached Barwaha, a small town about 60 kilometers from Indore. The relief of getting closer to the city was mixed with caution, though. This particular highway has a reputation, and I’ve often read newspaper articles about the frequent accidents here, regardless of the season. Traveling it always comes with a sense of unease.

Soon, the Bherughats came into view, and despite the rough journey, the sight took my breath away. The sweeping landscape, the winding roads, and the sheer drop of the ghats reminded me why I love road trips, even on the toughest stretches. But the reality of the road conditions was hard to ignore—after the lockdowns, huge potholes had scarred the surface. On a ghat road, that’s no small issue; one wrong move or a tire slipping into a deep hole could easily damage your car. And since these spots are far from any mechanic or service station, the risk is doubled.

Traveling through the Bherughats was a mix of awe and anxiety—stunning views above, tricky challenges below. It’s one of those roads where you can’t help but respect the journey as much as the destination.

The Bherughats are more than just a stretch of road—they’re also a popular tourist spot, thanks to the scenic views and a beautiful waterfall nearby. On weekends, you’ll often find families and groups of friends from Indore stopping here for food, photo sessions, and a bit of fresh mountain air. One of the specialties the place is known for is the “American bhutta”—a roasted corn snack that somehow tastes even better in the crisp ghat breeze.

From here, Indore is only about 24 kilometers away, and the drive gradually shifts from winding mountain roads to the familiar buzz of city life. By the time I rolled into Indore, it was around 4:30 p.m.—a sense of relief washing over me as I finally reached safely after such a long and unpredictable journey.

Looking at the condition of the road and the volume of traffic it carries, it’s clear why locals often talk about the need for expansion. Nearly 10,000 people use this route daily—workers, traders, commuters, and travelers like me. Sadly, it’s also a road that has witnessed far too many fatal accidents over the years.

The Indian government has already taken note, and plans are in motion to widen this stretch into a four- or six-lane highway. The project has been handed over to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which is currently in the process of acquiring land from nearby villages and towns.

If completed, the benefits would go beyond just safety and convenience. The expanded road would create a direct link from Indore to Hyderabad (Telangana) through Khandwa, opening up trade and travel opportunities. The railway network is also set to follow this vision, promising smoother connections to Maharashtra and South India.

For now, the journey remains challenging, but it holds the promise of becoming a crucial lifeline that connects central India with the southern states—transforming both travel and commerce along the way.

In the end what are your views tell me after reading this ?