Madhya Pradesh's ₹2000 Crore Plan for Kumbh : Madhya Pradesh Prepares for Simhastha Kumbh-2028; ₹2,000 Crore Set Aside in Budget

Bhopal, March 12 (NationPress) In preparation for the upcoming ‘Simhastha Kumbh’ in 2028, the temple city of Ujjain is set to receive a substantial allocation of Rs 2,000 crore as announced by Madhya Pradesh's Finance Minister Jagdish Devda during the presentation of the state Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 in the state Assembly on Wednesday.

The ancient city of Ujjain, renowned for the Mahakal temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is gearing up to attract thousands of devotees in 2028.

The Simhastha Kumbh is a significant and sacred event observed when Jupiter transitions into the Leo constellation, also referred to as Simha Rashi.

This remarkable Kumbh Mela takes place in the revered city of Ujjain.

This funding is in addition to the Rs 18,715 crore allocated for urban development, which is nearly Rs 2,000 crore more than the previous year's budget.

The funds will be utilized to improve the city’s infrastructure, ensuring it can accommodate the anticipated influx of pilgrims during this grand religious event.

Development projects are set to be meticulously planned and completed before 2028, preparing the city to host pilgrims appropriately, as stated by the minister in the state Assembly.

Last December, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda visited Ujjain alongside Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to evaluate the preparations for Simhastha 2028.

Chief Minister Yadav promised that by 2028, pilgrims will have access to pure water from the Kshipra river, which will be thoroughly cleansed.

Plans also include the construction of permanent ghats made of durable basalt stone along both sides of the Kshipra river.

These new ghats are being constructed to minimize the need for additional infrastructure in future Simhastha gatherings.

To ensure a steady flow in the river, several major city projects are in progress.

Key initiatives include the Khan River Diversion Close Duct Project, the Sewarkhedi-Silarkhedi Medium Project, and the establishment of barrages on both the Khan and Kshipra rivers.

These efforts, along with the basalt stone ghat construction, are aimed at preserving the purity and flow of the river.

The Khan Diversion Close Duct Project focuses on diverting polluted waters from the Khan River, thereby maintaining the cleanliness of the Kshipra in Ujjain.

This ambitious project encompasses a 30.15 km duct, which includes 18.15 km of 'cut and cover' construction and a 12 km tunnel.

With an estimated investment of Rs 920 crore, this project is expected to be completed within three years, although it remains uncertain if this budget is specifically allocated for this initiative.

The Sewarkhedi-Silarkhedi Medium Project aims to ensure year-round flow in the Kshipra by channeling rainwater into the Silarkhedi pond, which will later nourish the river during dry spells.

This initiative, anticipated to cost Rs 615 crore, is expected to be completed within 30 months.

Additionally, six barrages will be built—five on the Khan River and one on the Kshipra—with an estimated cost of Rs 37 crore.

To facilitate pilgrims visiting the Kshipra River, a 29-km stretch of ghats will be constructed, extending from the Shani Temple to the Nagda bypass.

This Rs 780 crore project, expected to be completed within three years, will utilize basalt paving to effectively manage the anticipated visitor surge.

Furthermore, a new ropeway connecting the railway station to the Mahakaleshwar Temple is under construction at a cost of Rs 199 crore.

Spanning 1.76 km, it will consist of 48 cabins, each capable of accommodating ten passengers. A satellite station costing Rs 30 crore will enhance travel convenience, while upgrades are ongoing at the Sadaval helipad and airstrip.

Four new helipads are being constructed at Sadaval for Rs 13.52 crore, ensuring efficient air travel during the Simhastha Kumbh.