The government is converting the 33.4 km Tejaji Nagar–Balwara section of National Highway 347BG to a four-lane carriageway as part of the Indore–Ichhapur Corridor under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The project includes three tunnels constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method to bypass hazardous ghat stretches: Bherughat Tunnel, 575 metres; Baigram Tunnel, 480 metres; and Choral Ghat Tunnel, 550 metres. Major black spots such as Bherughat and Choral Ghat will be permanently addressed, and accidents should fall significantly.
Work is reported to be 88 per cent complete, and the scheme carries an investment of Rs 9.2444 billion (Rs 9.2444 bn). Engineering work aims to improve travel reliability during monsoon and peak hours and to cut congestion on steep gradients. Officials project travel time from Indore to Omkareshwar to fall from two to three hours to just one hour once the tunnels and four-lane sections are open, offering relief from prolonged jams and hazardous turns.
Enhanced connectivity will support the movement of agricultural produce, industrial goods and pilgrims, strengthening links between Indore, Khandwa, Jalgaon and Hyderabad via existing junctions. Environmental and safety measures have been integrated, including modern drainage, crash barriers, road signage, rainwater management and plantation for a green belt. For local communities and drivers, the upgraded corridor is set to reduce risk, improve market access and facilitate smoother journeys during major events such as the Simhastha in 2028.