Katni

Katni officially Murwara is a city on the banks of the Katni River in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is the administrative headquarters of Katni District. It is famous for it's Limestone and Marble Mines and Cement Factories often referred as "City of Lime" or "Marble City". The city serves as a major railway hub in the country. The city is also home to many temples and religious sites, and its vibrant festivals and traditions highlight its culturally rich and diverse identity. It is in the Mahakoshal region of central India. The city is 90 km (56 mi) from the divisional headquarters of the region, Jabalpur.

Katni has a history that dates back to ancient and medieval periods, when the region formed part of the larger Gondwana territory ruled by the Gond kings. During the 14th to 18th centuries, it came under the control of the Gond rulers of Garha-Katanga, notably Rani Durgavati, who ruled until her defeat by the Mughal forces of Akbar in 1564. The area later passed into the hands of the Marathas in the 18th century, particularly under the Bhonsle rulers of Nagpur. In 1818, following the defeat of the Marathas in the Third Anglo-Maratha War, Katni came under British control. The British developed it as an important railway junction in the late 19th century, significantly boosting trade in limestone and marble. After India’s independence in 1947, Katni evolved into a key industrial and transport center in Madhya Pradesh. Today Katni is a important city and district in Madhya Pradesh famous for it's rich minerals and cultural diversity.

Katni is a vibrant city where festivals reflect the rich cultural traditions and community spirit of central India. Celebrations here are marked by enthusiasm, devotion, and active public participation, showcasing a blend of regional customs and modern influences.

Festivals like Navratri are celebrated with great fervor, as beautifully decorated pandals are set up across the city and people gather for garba and dandiya dances. Devotees observe fasts and participate in prayers dedicated to Goddess Durga, while cultural programs and bhajans create a festive atmosphere. Similarly, Ganesh Chaturthi brings communities together through the installation of elaborately crafted idols of Lord Ganesha, followed by days of worship, music, and social gatherings, culminating in grand immersion processions.

Other festivals such as Diwali and Holi are also celebrated with joy, lighting up homes and strengthening social bonds. Through these celebrations, Katni reflects a harmonious blend of tradition, devotion, and unity, highlighting its culturally rich identity.

Katni is located on 23°49′N 80°23′E / 23.82°N 80.39°E / 23.82; 80.39. It has an average elevation of 508 metres (1669 feet).^[4]

Katni River flows near Katni.

As of 2026 expected data, Katni municipality has a population of 3,31,000.^[1] Effective literacy was 92% out of which male literacy was 94% and female literacy was 90%.^[1]

Katni is part of Murwara Assembly. Murwara Assembly constituency is one of the 230 Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) constituencies of Madhya Pradesh state in central India.^[6]

Katni city is divided into 45 wards for which elections are held every 5 years. Katni Municipal Corporation has total administration over 47,488 houses to which it supplies basic amenities like water and sewerage. It is also authorized to build roads within Municipal Corporation limits and impose taxes on properties coming under its jurisdiction.^[7]

Sanjay Satyendra Pathak, famous politician

Sandeep Shriprasad Jaiswal, Famous MLA Motilal Verma (1906–1993), political figure[10]

Ramdas (politician), Indian Politician

Pinky Maidasani, Singer and Rapper

Akshat Khamparia, chess Player

Giriraj Poddar, Indian Politician

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Vedic University is an accredited, statutory private university located in Katni. It is part of the Maharishi Educational System and was established by the state legislature in 1995. It offers both graduate and undergraduate degree programs. Katni also has a number of CBSE, ICSE & MP Board affiliated private & government schools. It has branches of many world famous schools such as JPV DAV Public School & Delhi Public School.^[8][9]

Katni has a strong economy. It has one of the largest railway junctions in the country and is home to the country’s second largest diesel locomotive shed. The city is rich in minerals, particularly lime and bauxite. It has a GDP of ₹56k Crores and per capita income of ₹1.14 lacs^[10]

There are many cement and marble factories in Katni, and an ordnance factory situated in Katni.^[11]

The nearest airport's to Katni is Jabalpur Airport, located in Jabalpur and Satna Airport, located in Satna.

Katni serves as a major railway hub in the country, providing connections to Satna in the east, Bina in the north, Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh) in the south, and Jabalpur in the west. Katni has the largest railway grade separator in India (33.4 kilometers). Katni is served by five main railway stations: Katni Junction, New Katni Junction, Katni Murwara, Madhavnagar Road and Katni South^[12]

Katni is well connected by National Highways and State Highways to major cities of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh & Uttar Pradesh, making it an important transport hub. Major National Highways Include NH 43, NH 78 & NH 30.

Recently Bus Transit System was started in Katni by DKCBSL (Deen Dayal Katni City Bus Service Limited) which made intercity travel easier ,cheaper and environment friendly.

• Maa Jalpa Temple
• Jagrati Park
• Suramya Park, Kataye Ghat
• Hanuman Temple
• Bandhavgarh National Park
• Vijayraghavgarh
• Keoti Falls
• Jabalpur
• Bahoriband Jain Temple
• Maa Sharda Mandir, Maihar
• Chitrakoot
• Kundalpur

• Katni government website