Gandhi Sagar Dam

About Gandhi Sagar Dam

The Gandhi Sagar dam is the first of the four dams built on the Chambal river. It is located in the Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh. It is a 64 metre high masonry gravity dam, with a live storage capacity of 6,920 Mm3 and a catchment area of 22,584 km2. The dam was completed in the year 1960. The hydro-power station comprises five generating units of 23 MW capacity each. The water released after power generation is utilised for irrigation through Kota Barrage.

The Chambal River impounds in the Gandhi Sagar Reservoir. The Gandhi Sagar dam serves Gandhi Nagar, Mandsaur District, Madhya Pradesh. The Water Resources Department of Madhya Pradesh maintains the Gandhi Sagar Dam. The construction of this dam started in 1954 and was completed in 1970. The Gandhi Sagar Dam is 513 metres long and its height rises upto 62.20 metres.

The Gandhi Sagar Power Station now supplies electricity throghout the District and as well as to the nearby places in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Gandhisagar Dam is situated at a distance of 168 Km from the District headquarter. Foundation stone for the construction of Gandhi Sagar Dam / Power Station in the District was laid by the Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on the 7th March, 1954. The work was started in 1957 in the power station, while power generation and its distribution commenced in November, 1960. The total expenditure on the construction of Gandhi Sagar Dam and Power Station was about Rs. 18 Crores 40 Lakhs. The expenditure on construction of Power Station was Rs. 4 Crores 80 Lakhs.

Gandhi Sagar Power Station is 65 meter long and 56 feet wide. The Power Station has five turbines of 23 M.W. capacity, thus having a total installed capacity of 115 M.W.

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Best time to visit Gandhi Sagar Dam

October to March

How to reach Gandhi Sagar Dam

Nearest airport: Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal (varies by location). Nearest railway station varies. Well-connected by state highway and regular bus services from major MP cities.

Timings & opening hours

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM; restricted areas may require prior permission

Entry fee & tickets

Free entry; parking INR 20-50

Duration needed

1-2 hours

Location info

Madhya Pradesh, India.

Safety tips

Do not enter restricted zones; Avoid during monsoon; Follow security instructions

Things to carry

Comfortable clothing and shoes, water bottle, camera, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, first aid kit

Nearby visiting places

Nearby attractions include local temples, monuments, and natural landmarks; check local tourism office.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal (varies by location).

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Madhya Pradesh. 4G is reliable in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and along national highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench national parks. Most hotels and resorts in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Madhya Pradesh cuisine — dal bafla, poha, bhutte ka kees, Bhopali kebabs, and Indori namkeen — offers distinctive regional flavours.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. MP Tourism hotels and wildlife lodges offer reliable mid-range options across the state.

History of Gandhi Sagar Dam

Significant cultural/historical site in Madhya Pradesh with notable heritage value.

Things to do at Gandhi Sagar Dam

Explore the site; Photography; Guided tour; Visit nearby attractions.

Things to visit & highlights

Nearby attractions include local temples, monuments, and natural landmarks; check local tourism office.

Climate & weather

Madhya Pradesh has a subtropical climate with three distinct seasons. Winter (October–March) is the best time to visit: temperatures range from 8°C to 28°C with clear skies and pleasant days — ideal for wildlife safaris and temple visits. April–June is very hot, with temperatures reaching 42–45°C in most areas. The monsoon (July–September) brings moderate to heavy rainfall, making the landscape lush green, though wildlife parks close during peak monsoon.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Police: 100, Ambulance: 108, Fire: 101; MP Tourism Helpline: 1800-233-1111; District helpline varies by location.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps available within 1-5 km of most tourist sites; major highways have regular fueling stations every 20-30 km. In remote areas, fill up at the nearest town before travelling.

Frequently asked questions

Is the dam open for public visits? Yes, during daylight hours; restricted areas require prior permission from the irrigation department.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Madhyapradesh
• Category: Dams And Reservoirs

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.