The Maharashtra government has approved pilgrimage and heritage development projects worth Rs 993.72 crore for six major religious and historical sites across the state, with a focus on infrastructure upgrades, conservation work and improved facilities for devotees and tourists.
Chairing a meeting of the High-Level Pilgrimage Development Committee at Sahyadri Guest House, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed officials to ensure the timely completion of all projects while maintaining high-quality standards.
Among the largest approvals, Rs 172.22 crore has been sanctioned for the redevelopment of Bhimashankar Temple and the surrounding ideal village project. The plan includes a modern bus terminal, parking facilities, widened roads, pedestrian corridors, an amphitheatre, a sewage treatment plant, tourism infrastructure, a proposed ropeway and development of MTDC resorts. Officials have been instructed to complete the project by May 2027.
The government also approved Rs 41.71 crore for conservation and development work at Dehu, the birthplace of Sant Tukaram Maharaj. The project covers the Vaikunthgaman Temple area and Bhandara Hill, and includes beautification, drinking water facilities, accommodation for devotees, parking spaces and environmental conservation measures.
In Satara district, Rs 134.80 crore has been cleared for restoration and beautification of Ajinkyatara Fort. Planned works include restoration of bastions, landscaping, viewing galleries, pedestrian pathways and a hanging bridge aimed at boosting tourism.
Another Rs 133 crore has been sanctioned for the conservation of the Sangam Mahuli memorial site associated with Maharani Tarabai, Maharani Yesubai and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj.
The committee also approved a revised Rs 210.45 crore development plan for Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, which includes waiting halls, accommodation facilities, shopping complexes, ghat development and a 1.6-km bypass road.
Additionally, an extra Rs 301.54 crore has been sanctioned for the phased redevelopment of Parli Vaijnath Temple. The project includes digital queue systems, food courts, meditation centres, museums, cycling tracks, laser light-and-sound shows and a grand Shiva statue at Meru Parvat.
Source: The Free Press Journal
