The Gujarat government has completed the first two phases of a ₹359 crore master plan to upgrade pilgrim infrastructure at the Champaner-Pavagadh UNESCO World Heritage Site, with works worth ₹121 crore already delivered and two more phases under way. The four-phase redevelopment covers the Mahakali Temple at Pavagadh — one of Gujarat's foremost pilgrimage destinations — and the surrounding Champaner Archaeological Park.

What the Completed Phases Cover

The first and second phases, executed through the Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board, focused on expanding the temple complex and improving devotee facilities. The Mahakali Temple premises have been enlarged from 545 square metres to approximately 2,980 square metres across three levels. A 3.01-kilometre access pathway — including 2,374 steps connecting Machi Chowk to the temple — has been completed to ease pilgrim movement. Electrification, a public address system, and CCTV surveillance have also been installed along the approach route.

Phases 3 and 4: What Is Planned

The remaining two phases carry a combined outlay of ₹238 crore. Under Phase 3A, a multi-level parking facility at Machi Chowk has been completed at a cost of ₹13.68 crore. Phase 3B, allocated ₹135.19 crore, covers internal and external road construction, pedestrian pathways, electrification, landscaping, parking for more than 600 two-wheelers and cars, and bus infrastructure at Champaner. The government also plans to redevelop the Vada Talav precinct with landscaped gardens, ghats, a water jetty, a footbridge, a theme park, a children's play area, an activity zone, a birdwatch tower, craft stalls, and parking for around 500 cars.

Pilgrim Footfall Since 2022 Restoration

The project builds on the restoration milestone of 18 June 2022, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the temple's sacred flag and installed the Kalash atop the reconstructed temple shikhara — restoring the structure after a gap of 500 years, according to officials. Since then, footfall has risen sharply: more than 3.84 crore devotees visited the Mahakali Temple between 2022-23 and 18 June 2026, compared with around 2.32 crore visitors during the five years from 2016-17 to 2021-22. Overall, the temple has recorded more than 6.17 crore devotees between 2016-17 and 2025-26.

Government's Position

Officials stated the project is being implemented under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, framed as part of the Centre's broader 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi' (development alongside heritage) vision. The government said ongoing infrastructure works are expected to further improve visitor facilities in the coming years. Notably, this is one of several heritage-linked pilgrim redevelopment drives Gujarat has pursued since 2022, reflecting a wider state strategy of combining religious tourism with UNESCO-site conservation.