Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav reviewed preparations and construction works for Simhastha 2028 in Ujjain on October 19, 2026, and instructed all concerned departments to accelerate project execution and avoid unnecessary delays.
During the review meeting, the Chief Minister emphasised timely completion of infrastructure projects, adequate deployment of officials and staff, and advance planning for the large number of devotees expected to visit Ujjain during the religious gathering.
Officials informed the meeting that 175 construction projects worth approximately ₹20,000 crore are currently underway for Simhastha 2028. The projects have been assigned phased completion deadlines extending from December 2026 to October 2027.
CM Mohan Yadav Directs Officials to Complete Simhastha Works on Time
The Chief Minister directed departments to ensure that all Simhastha-related construction projects progress rapidly and are completed within their stipulated timelines.
He instructed officials to obtain approvals for projects whose sanction processes are pending by November 2026. He also directed that the required officers and employees be posted at the Simhastha Mela Office, Collectorate and Simhastha Cell within the same week.
All departments have been asked to deploy dedicated personnel and ensure adequate human resources so that project implementation can proceed in a coordinated and time-bound manner.
CM Mohan Yadav further instructed officials to review construction progress regularly and make completed infrastructure available for public use without delay.
Simhastha 2028: Timeline for 175 Construction Projects Worth ₹20,000 Crore
During the meeting, Ujjain Divisional Commissioner and Simhastha Mela Officer Ashish Singh, along with District Collector Roshan Kumar Singh, presented details of the ongoing construction projects.
The projects have been divided into four phases, with the following completion targets:
- By December 2026: 51 projects
- January–March 2027: 36 projects
- April–June 2027: 61 projects
- July–October 2027: 23 projects
- Total: 175 projects
Officials also informed the meeting that tenders for permanent construction works in the Mela area had been issued and that projects were progressing according to their schedules.
The Chief Minister directed the concerned departments to maintain the pace of work and ensure that infrastructure becomes available for public use as soon as it is completed.
Pilgrim Accommodation, Tent Cities and Holding Areas to Be Planned
With a large number of devotees expected during Simhastha 2028, CM Mohan Yadav instructed officials to prepare comprehensive plans for accommodation and other essential facilities well in advance.
The administration has been asked to identify nearby schools and colleges that could be used to accommodate pilgrims. Plans should include the construction or improvement of toilets, drinking water facilities, repairs and other basic amenities wherever required.
Officials have also been asked to explore the use of Sandipani schools located along routes leading to Ujjain to facilitate pilgrims.
The Chief Minister directed authorities to examine the possibility of developing tent cities and holding areas in Ghattiya, Tarana and nearby locations through which devotees are expected to travel.
He also encouraged farmers and social organisations to participate in developing tent cities to expand accommodation capacity. In addition, officials have been asked to explore expanding homestay facilities and developing other suitable accommodation options.
Drinking Water, Sewerage, Parking and Electricity Arrangements
The Chief Minister placed particular emphasis on ensuring adequate drinking water supplies and completing sewerage-related works in Ujjain’s internal city areas and the Simhastha Mela zone.
He directed the Tourism Department and Police Department to jointly prepare a comprehensive parking plan for vehicles arriving with pilgrims.
To ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the event, the Chief Minister also instructed the West Discom to establish a separate Simhastha Division.
These measures are intended to improve essential services, reduce congestion and ensure that infrastructure can support the expected movement of devotees during the religious gathering.
Road Widening Works to Be Accelerated, Traders’ Interests Protected
CM Mohan Yadav said that Ujjain residents have been supportive of the development works planned for Simhastha 2028. However, he stressed that construction activities should not cause unnecessary hardship to the public.
He directed the administration to prepare effective rehabilitation plans for traders whose businesses may be affected by road-widening projects. Alternative commercial locations should be identified and developed in an organised manner so that affected shopkeepers can resume their businesses.
The Chief Minister specifically called for plans to rehabilitate traders operating in the utensils market and the gold and silver markets.
Officials were asked to explore the possibility of developing a new market on the lines of Vikram Cloth Market in the Nazr Ali Mill area, the Kavelu Factory area or other suitable nearby locations.
Shopkeepers whose establishments are affected by construction and who do not have alternative premises should also be accommodated in suitable markets.
To speed up road-widening works, the Chief Minister directed the deployment of a separate team so that construction can be completed promptly while minimising inconvenience to residents and traders.
Routes to Ghats and Panchkroshi Yatra to Receive Special Attention
The Chief Minister instructed officials to estimate the likely number of pilgrims and prepare detailed plans for their movement, traffic management, parking and accommodation.
Special attention has been directed towards the construction and improvement of roads leading to the ghats, which are important for pilgrims attending Simhastha.
Officials were also instructed to develop domes along the Panchkroshi Yatra route according to the approved plan.
In addition, coordination meetings with officials from neighbouring states will be organised to prepare advance plans for the movement of devotees and the management of arrangements across state boundaries.
Dedicated Staff and Interdepartmental Coordination for Simhastha 2028
CM Mohan Yadav directed all departments involved in Simhastha preparations to work in close coordination and ensure that no unnecessary delays occur.
The Simhastha Mela Office, Collectorate and Simhastha Cell are to be strengthened through timely staff appointments. Departments have also been instructed to assign dedicated personnel to ensure the smooth execution of projects and related arrangements.
The Chief Minister said preparations must focus on pilgrims’ convenience, city development, traffic management, basic infrastructure and the interests of local businesses.
Officials Attend Simhastha 2028 Review Meeting
The review meeting was attended by Minister in Charge Gautam Tetwal, MLA Dr. Tej Bahadur Singh Chauhan, MLA Satish Malviya, Ujjain Mayor Mukesh Tatwal, Simhastha Authority Chairman Jagdish Agrawal, Ujjain Development Authority Chairman Ravi Solanki, Municipal Corporation Council Chairperson Kalawati Yadav and Housing Board Chairman Om Jain.
Sanjay Agrawal, senior officers at the Principal Secretary and Secretary levels, and senior police officials were also present.
The review focused on ensuring that construction projects, public facilities and administrative arrangements are completed according to schedule ahead of Simhastha 2028.
About Simhastha 2028
Simhastha is a major Hindu religious gathering held in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, attracting devotees and pilgrims for religious observances and visits to sacred sites. Preparations for the 2028 event include infrastructure development, road improvements, accommodation, sanitation, water supply, electricity, traffic management and facilities in the Mela area.
The Madhya Pradesh Government is working to complete the planned development projects before the event so that Ujjain can accommodate pilgrims and manage their movement safely and efficiently.
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