Ujjain: In a significant review of infrastructure works planned for Simhastha 2028, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav along with Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar visited Ujjain to inspect ongoing development projects focused on improving pilgrim facilities and river conservation.
The leaders reviewed major works including the new ghats being constructed along the riverfront and the Kanha Diversion Closed Duct Project, both aimed at improving sanitation, environmental protection, and religious tourism infrastructure ahead of the mega spiritual gathering.
The inspection also took place in the presence of senior state officials and ministers including Kailash Vijayvargiya and Tulsi Ram Silawat.
₹778 Crore New Ghats Project for Pilgrims
Officials informed that a major ghat development project worth ₹778 crore is underway, covering 29.15 km of riverfront development.
Key highlights include:
- 29.15 km long new ghats being developed
- 150+ designated access points for devotees
- 18.20 km retaining wall construction already completed
- 7 km ghat construction already finished
- Remaining work progressing at a fast pace
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure quality construction and timely completion, emphasizing that Simhastha 2028 should reflect the grandeur of Indian spiritual heritage.
Plantation Drive at Triveni Ghat
During the visit, CM Dr. Yadav and Union Minister Manohar Lal participated in a plantation drive at Triveni Ghat.
They planted saplings of:
- Neem
- Rudraksha
- Peepal
The initiative aimed to promote environmental conservation and highlight the importance of green riverfront development.
Other dignitaries including Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya and Water Resources Minister Tulsi Ram Silawat also participated in the event.
Inspection of ₹919.94 Crore Kanha Diversion Closed Duct Project
The Chief Minister and Union Minister also inspected the Kanha Diversion Closed Duct Project, a major environmental and river rejuvenation initiative costing ₹919.94 crore.
They entered the tunnel section to review construction quality and progress.
Project Features:
- Total length: 30.15 km
- 18.15 km cut-and-cover duct
- 12 km tunnel section
- Designed to carry up to 40 cubic meters per second of wastewater
- Includes 4 access shafts for maintenance and inspection
- Built to ensure clean water flow into the Shipra River
Objective: Clean and Restore Shipra River
The project aims to prevent polluted water from the Kanha River from entering religious and bathing ghats of the Shipra River.
Key objectives include:
- Diverting polluted water away from sacred river zones
- Ensuring clean and uninterrupted flow of Shipra River
- Supporting long-term urban population growth (25-year planning horizon)
- Providing sustainable wastewater management infrastructure
Construction updates:
- 4.5 km of precast segment laying completed
- 10.3 km segments prepared for installation
- 8.15 km of tunnel excavation completed
- Shaft construction fully completed
Government Focus on Timely Execution
Both leaders emphasized:
- High construction quality standards
- Strict adherence to deadlines
- Long-term sustainability of infrastructure
- Improved urban sanitation and pilgrimage facilities
They reviewed technical aspects with senior officials and engineers involved in the project.
Development Vision for Simhastha 2028
The state government reiterated its commitment to making Simhastha 2028:
- Environmentally sustainable
- Infrastructure-ready for massive pilgrim inflow
- A globally recognized spiritual event
CM Dr. Yadav stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the event will reflect the strength and cultural richness of Indian traditions.
Dignitaries Present
The inspection was attended by several senior leaders and officials, including:
- Mayor Mukesh Tattwal
- MP Anil Firojiya
- MLA Anil Jain Kaluheda
- Ujjain Development Authority Chairman Ravi Solanki
- Divisional Commissioner Ashish Singh
- IG Rakesh Gupta
- Collector Roushan Kumar Singh
- Municipal Commissioner Abhilash Mishra
- Senior engineers and administrative officers
The twin inspections of the ₹778 crore ghat development project and the ₹919 crore Kanha Diversion Closed Duct Project highlight Madhya Pradesh’s focus on large-scale infrastructure development ahead of Simhastha 2028. The initiatives aim to improve pilgrimage facilities, restore river cleanliness, and strengthen urban infrastructure in Ujjain.
