Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday highlighted the Centre's ongoing temple corridor projects at the Maa Kamakhya Temple Complex in Guwahati, Assam, and the Ambabai Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, framing them as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi' (Development as well as Heritage) philosophy. Shah made the remarks while addressing a public event in Kolhapur, situating both projects within a broader national push to modernise India's sacred sites without compromising their cultural integrity.

Kamakhya Temple Corridor: Key Details

The Maa Kamakhya Divyalok Pariyojana — commonly referred to as the Kamakhya Temple Corridor — is a ₹498 crore infrastructure upgrade project on the Nilachal Hills in Guwahati. The project had remained stalled for two years owing to legal challenges before construction finally commenced.

The upgrade will expand open spaces at the Shakti Peeth from the current 3,000 square feet to nearly 1,00,000 square feet across three levels, raising pilgrim holding capacity to 10,000 at a time. Existing narrow access paths — currently 8–10 feet wide — will be broadened to 27–30 feet. Additionally, six minor temples embedded in the hillside will be restored to their original form.

Notably, the project's original blueprint was revised following geophysical and hydrological impact assessments conducted jointly by IIT Guwahati and the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee. All major construction is confined to the downhill zone; no work will be carried out inside the main sanctum or the upper hill area.

Ambabai Mahalaxmi Temple Corridor: Scale and Scope

The Maharashtra government has initiated construction of the Ambabai Mahalaxmi Temple Corridor in the Karveer region of Kolhapur at a total outlay of ₹1,500 crore. The development will span more than 28,000 square metres of land.

The temple, reportedly established in the 7th century, is surrounded by nearly 41 smaller and larger shrines, whose preservation is being coordinated in consultation with the Archaeological Department, according to Shah. The redeveloped complex will feature AI-based security cameras, LED decorations, an outdoor gallery, heritage walkways, light and sound shows, a multipurpose hall, Annachhatra, a police station, and a heritage courtyard, alongside full pilgrim amenities.

'The temple complex will be equipped with modern facilities, including AI-based security cameras, LED decorations, an outdoor gallery, heritage walkways, light and sound shows, a multipurpose hall, Annachhatra, police station, and a heritage courtyard, along with complete pilgrim amenities,' Shah said.

He added that within six months of project completion, the Kolhapur site will be transformed into a 'fully developed spiritual destination.'

Broader Heritage Corridor Narrative

Shah also referenced other completed or ongoing heritage projects under the Modi government, including the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, the reconstruction of Kedarnath Dham and Badrinath Dham, and the ongoing gold adornment of the Somnath Temple. The Kolhapur event appeared designed to reinforce a consistent government message: that religious and cultural infrastructure is as central to 'development' as roads or factories.

'The sum of ₹1,500 crore is not large because the development and glorification of such sacred places — where our history, faith, and culture reside — is a source of inspiration for all Indians,' Shah said.

Cultural and Political Significance

Shah argued that the Ambabai Mahalaxmi corridor would 'rekindle devotion among lakhs of devotees' while also preserving and promoting Kolhapur and Maharashtra's cultural heritage, 'especially inspiring the younger generation.' The remarks come as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies continue to position temple development as a governance priority ahead of upcoming electoral cycles. With the Kolhapur project in Maharashtra and the Guwahati project in Assam, the outreach spans two politically significant states. How quickly both corridors are delivered will be watched as closely as the announcements themselves.