Madhya Pradesh has opened the bidding process for a proposed Chambal Ravine Safari, a tourism development project that aims to combine off-road experiences, river activities, wildlife, heritage, local culture, and overnight stays across Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, and Sheopur.
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has issued an expression of interest inviting operators, investors, developers, hospitality companies, startups, and consortiums to participate in developing, operating, and promoting the destination. The proposed circuit is intended to use the region’s distinctive ravine landscape as the setting for a mix of adventure and nature-based tourism experiences.
According to Urban Acres, the concept draws on the format of desert safari destinations, with four-wheel-drive vehicles adapted to the ravine terrain. The proposed visitor experience could also incorporate local food, folk performances, stargazing, and overnight accommodation in tents or glamping units.
Potential activities under consideration include guided safaris, off-road driving, ravine biking, trekking, ziplining, rope courses, kayaking, canoeing, birdwatching, nature trails, adventure camping, and glamping. River excursions, sunrise and sunset experiences, village visits, traditional cuisine, artisan demonstrations, and rural lifestyle activities could also form part of the wider tourism circuit.
A pre-bid meeting for prospective participants was held online on Monday, September 28. Online submissions are scheduled to open Wednesday, September 30, with applications due through the Madhya Pradesh e-procurement portal by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13. The submitted expressions of interest are scheduled to be opened in Bhopal on Wednesday, October 14.
The specific sites, activities, and infrastructure requirements have not yet been finalized. The selected agency will be expected to conduct feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and carrying-capacity evaluations before developing the project in accordance with applicable statutory approvals.
The successful partner is expected to identify suitable locations, prepare a master plan, assess market and technical feasibility, develop investment and revenue models, and establish a phased implementation strategy. Depending on the final project structure, responsibilities could include infrastructure development, visitor centers, digital ticketing, accommodations, safety systems, destination management, and marketing.
A proposed integrated digital platform could allow visitors to purchase tickets, book activities and accommodations, make payments, access maps and safety information, and provide feedback. The platform could also support digital marketing for the destination.
Environmental management and visitor safety are key components of the project brief. Operators will be expected to establish activity-specific standard operating procedures, employ trained instructors, maintain emergency-response systems, conduct equipment inspections, provide insurance coverage, and establish weather-related operating protocols.
The project brief also calls for minimizing construction in sensitive areas, controlling visitor numbers, managing waste, conserving water, and reducing plastic use. These measures are intended to limit the potential impact of tourism activity on the region’s flora and fauna as the project moves through the planning and approval process.
For outdoor hospitality businesses, the proposed development could create opportunities around glamping, adventure camping, guided experiences, transportation, food services, and destination management if the project proceeds to implementation. Its phased approach may also create opportunities for local and regional operators to participate without requiring every component to be developed as a single accommodation project.
The tourism board has also linked the project to local employment and skills development. Proposed training programs would cover roles including adventure guides, safari drivers, nature interpreters, first responders, and customer-service personnel. The initiative could additionally create business opportunities for local guides, drivers, hospitality workers, performers, artisans, farmers, transportation providers, and other entrepreneurs.
The bidding process will help determine the commercial structure, operating model, locations, and scope of the proposed Chambal Ravine Safari. Its development will ultimately depend on the findings of feasibility and environmental assessments, carrying-capacity considerations, and required regulatory approvals.
The immediate milestones are the opening of online submissions on September 30, the October 13 deadline for expressions of interest, and the scheduled opening of applications in Bhopal on October 14.
