Indore (Madhya Pradesh): In a major breakthrough for the long-pending Indore-Khandwa Gauge Conversion (GC) project, the Forest Department has finally given its approval for a critical stretch between Patalpani and Mukhtyara, clearing the way for construction work to commence after a delay of more than two years.

The go-ahead came on Monday from the Project Screening Committee-1 (PSC-1) of the Forest Department, a move that unblocks work on a 65 km stretch running through challenging hilly terrain. The area, which falls largely under forest jurisdiction in Mhow tehsil, had been holding up progress due to clearance delays.

According to official sources in both Railway and Forest departments, the approval was long awaited. “The proposal will now be forwarded to the Chief Minister’s Office, and subsequently to the Ministry of Railways,” they said, requesting anonymity.

The construction department of Western Railway had submitted the forest land acquisition proposal back in January 2023. Since then, the project was stuck pending environmental and land-use clearance. Officials said the Forest Department is now conducting GPS-based mapping to count and identify trees that may be affected by the railway alignment.

The 160 km long Indore-Khandwa GC project is one of the most ambitious and topographically complex railway works in the state. While gauge conversion has been completed across most sections, the remaining 65 km stretch between Mukhtyara (near Omkareshwar) and Patalpani remained unfinished due to its rugged geography—characterised by high hills, deep trenches and dense forest cover.

Initially, Western Railway had planned 21 tunnels along this segment to tackle the terrain. However, the plan has now been revised to 19 tunnels, aiming to simplify construction and reduce impact on environment.

With forest clearance now granted, railway authorities are preparing to kick-start physical work on this last and most challenging leg of the project. Once complete, the gauge conversion will significantly improve rail connectivity between Indore and southern parts of Madhya Pradesh, including Khandwa and Omkareshwar.]