Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has instructed that all proposed works for Simhastha 2028 be completed by Diwali 2027. The directive came during the fifth meeting of the ministerial committee overseeing the event, where 22 key projects costing ₹2,923.84 crore received approval. The projects aim to enhance infrastructure, accessibility, and facilities for pilgrims visiting Ujjain and its surrounding areas.
Focus on Pilgrim Facilities and Infrastructure Development
The Chief Minister emphasized the development of essential amenities within a 100 km radius of Ujjain, including:
- Homestays and accommodation facilities for pilgrims
- Parking zones and public amenities
- Improved road networks and widened streets
He instructed that adequate officers and staff be deployed for the successful execution and management of Simhastha 2028. A third-party audit will be conducted to ensure financial transparency and quality compliance. Additionally, intensive training programs for staff involved in various responsibilities have been initiated to maintain high operational standards.
Major Approved Construction and Road Projects
The ministerial committee approved multiple infrastructure projects, including:
- Widening and cement-concrete construction of key roads from Gudri Chauraha to Harsiddhi Pal, Bombay Wale Ki Dharamshala to Dani Gate Chauraha, and Devas Road to Nanakheda.
- Road improvements from Shinde Nursing Home to Neelganga Main Road, Gautam Marg to Tilakeshwar Marg, and other critical routes.
- Construction of new bridges, including a pedestrian bridge over the Kshipra River.
- Development and beautification of pilgrimage routes connecting Choubis Khamba Mata Temple to Chhota Rudra Sagar.
These measures are intended to not only facilitate Simhastha 2028 but also enhance long-term infrastructure for Ujjain and its surrounding pilgrimage areas.
Integrated Command & Control Centre for Real-Time Monitoring
The ministerial committee also approved the construction of a 139.14 crore Integrated Command and Control Centre. The center will:
- Monitor Simhastha activities in real-time using CCTV, drones, and data analytics
- Implement AI-based crowd management
- Provide information on routes, parking, and facilities via mobile applications
- Oversee cybersecurity, waste management, water supply, and sanitation
Additional approvals included:
- Construction of a Mela Control Room and Multi-Modal Transit Hub at Devas Gate Bus Stand
- Skywalk from Integrated Transit Hub to Ujjain Railway Station
- Permanent infrastructure in the mela area, including paved roads, dividers, footpaths, street lighting, service roads, water supply, and sewer systems
Committee Participation and Oversight
The meeting was attended by several senior officials and ministers, including:
- Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda and Rajendra Shukla
- Urban Development & Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya
- Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh
- Transport Minister Uday Pratap Singh
- Water Resources Minister Tulsi Silawat
- Food & Civil Supplies Minister Govind Singh Rajput
- Energy Minister Pradyumn Singh Tomar
- MSME Minister Chaitanya Kumar Kashyap
- Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretaries, and other senior officers
The CM also instructed that future committee meetings be conducted in Ujjain to closely monitor project progress.
Simhastha 2028: Enhancing Pilgrim Experience and Urban Infrastructure
With a total investment of over ₹2,900 crore, the projects are aimed at ensuring a safe, convenient, and well-managed Simhastha 2028, while also leaving a lasting legacy of improved urban infrastructure in Ujjain. CM Dr. Yadav stressed that the development should benefit both the mela and other annual events, making Ujjain more accessible and comfortable for pilgrims from across the country.
