Rivers of Madhya Pradesh with Map: List of Major Rivers

Madhya Pradesh is located in the heart of India and has a rich network of rivers flowing through its plateaus, forests and fertile plains. The state shares its borders with Rajasthan in the northwest, Uttar Pradesh in the north, Chhattisgarh in the east, Maharashtra in the south and Gujarat in the west. Its central position and natural features make it an important part of India’s river systems.

Several major rivers of India either originate in Madhya Pradesh or pass through it. Rivers such as the Narmada, Tapti, Chambal, Betwa and Son belong to different drainage basins. Some rivers drain into the Arabian Sea, while others flow toward the Bay of Bengal. In this article, we cover the major rivers of Madhya Pradesh, their origin, length, basin, tributaries, important dams and a detailed map of rivers in Madhya Pradesh.

Major River Basins in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is spread across four major river basins:

• Narmada Basin – Flows westward into the Arabian Sea
• Tapi Basin – Drains western Madhya Pradesh into the Arabian Sea
• Ganga Basin – Includes Son, Chambal, Ken, Betwa, Tons, Sindh
• Godavari Basin – Covers southern districts via Pench and Kanhan rivers

Major Rivers of Madhya Pradesh

1. Narmada River

The Narmada River is the most prominent river of Madhya Pradesh. It originates from the Amarkantak Plateau in Anuppur district and flows westward across the state before draining into the Arabian Sea. It is about 1,312 km long, with approximately 1,077 km flowing through Madhya Pradesh. The Narmada forms a natural divide between northern and southern India and supports several major dams along its course. Here is a Map of Narmada River.

2. Tapti River

The Tapti River originates from the Satpura Hills in Betul district. Like the Narmada, it flows westward into the Arabian Sea. The total length of the Tapti is about 724 km, and it drains the southwestern part of the state. It is the second major west-flowing river of Madhya Pradesh.

3. Chambal River

The Chambal River rises from the Janapav Hills near Mhow in western Madhya Pradesh. It flows northward through deep ravines and then enters Rajasthan before joining the Yamuna River. The Chambal is around 1,024 km long and is an important part of the Ganga Basin.

4. Betwa River

The Betwa River originates from the Vindhya Range in Raisen district. It flows in a northeast direction and joins the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh. Its total length is about 590 km, and it is considered a major right-bank tributary of the Yamuna.

5. Ken River

The Ken River originates in Katni district and flows northeastward through the Panna district before joining the Yamuna. It covers a length of about 427 km and is another important tributary of the Yamuna River.

6. Son River

The Son River rises from the Amarkantak Plateau, close to the source of the Narmada, but it flows eastward. It enters Bihar and ultimately merges with the Ganga River. Its total length is around 784 km, and it plays a significant role in the eastern region of Madhya Pradesh.

7. Tons River

The Tons River originates from the Satpura Range in Madhya Pradesh. It flows in a northeast direction and is one of the tributaries of the Ganga River system. It contributes to the drainage of the northeastern districts of the state.

8. Sindh River

The Sindh River originates in the Vidisha district and flows northward through the northern plains of Madhya Pradesh before meeting the Yamuna. It is around 470 km long and forms part of the Ganga drainage system.

9. Shipra River

The Shipra River originates from the Kakri Bardi Hills near Ujjain. It is a small river with a length of about 190 km and is a tributary of the Chambal River. It holds religious importance, especially in Ujjain where the Kumbh Mela is held.

10. Pench River

The Pench River rises from the Chhindwara district and flows southward into Maharashtra. It later joins the Kanhan River, which is a tributary of the Wainganga, and ultimately becomes part of the Godavari Basin. The Pench River is around 192 km long and is known for the Pench National Park located along its banks.

Rivers Map of Madhya Pradesh

A detailed map of rivers in Madhya Pradesh shows the course of all major rivers including Narmada, Tapti, Chambal, and Betwa along with tributaries and dam locations. This map helps in understanding the flow directions, river basins and interlinkages across the state.

Longest River of Madhya Pradesh

The longest river of Madhya Pradesh is the Narmada River. It flows entirely across the state for about 1,077 kilometers before draining into the Arabian Sea.

Important Tributaries in Madhya Pradesh

• Tributaries of Narmada: Tawa, Hiran, Banjar, Barna
• Tributaries of Chambal: Kali Sindh, Parbati, Shipra
• Tributaries of Betwa: Bina, Halali, Jamni
• Tributaries of Son: Banas, Gopat, Johilla
• Tributaries of Ken: Sonar, Bearma

Major Dams in Madhya Pradesh

Here is a list of major dams in Madhya Pradesh along with the rivers they are built on:

• Indirasagar Dam – Narmada River
• Omkareshwar Dam – Narmada River
• Bargi Dam – Narmada River
• Tawa Dam – Tawa River
• Bansagar Dam – Son River
• Rajghat Dam – Betwa River
• Barna Dam – Barna River
• Kolar Dam – Kolar River
• Halali Dam – Halali River

Madhya Pradesh plays a central role in India’s river system with major rivers flowing in both eastward and westward directions. From the Narmada and Tapti to the Chambal and Son, each river contributes to the geography, water supply and inter-state connectivity.