Preparations for Grand Simhastha Continue at Pace: MP CM Dr. Yadav

Bhopal : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that Simhastha, is world’s largest religious congregation. It represents the confluence of India’s rich culture, philosophy, centuries-old heritage, unwavering faith and spiritual traditions. Bathing in the sacred waters of the Maa Kshipra during Simhastha is believed to cleanse one of sins. He said the State Government is working to make Simhastha-2028 a grand, event, with preparations and all necessary arrangements progressing at a rapid pace. He emphasised that only through collective dedication, commitment, and teamwork can Simhastha-2028 set a new benchmark.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing a mega training workshop on the theme ‘Experience of Simhastha-2016, Resolve for Simhastha-2028’ in Ujjain on Saturday. The Chief Minister, addressing officers from the administration, police, health department, Municipal Corporation, construction agencies and other stakeholders associated with Simhastha-2028, said that Simhastha is the centre of faith for millions of devotees and a symbol of India’s traditions and heritage. Preserving its sanctity is a shared responsibility. He called upon officials, employees, volunteers, and public representatives to work collectively with a spirit of service, stating that teamwork is the key to success.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav reiterated that ‘Clean Simhastha, Healthy Simhastha’ is the Government’s guiding resolve. He emphasised that ensuring the safety of millions of pilgrims would remain the highest priority, with special emphasis on crowd management, emergency services, and rapid response systems.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav informed that development projects worth more than ₹25,000 crore are currently underway in Ujjain and surrounding districts to facilitate devotees arriving from across India and abroad. Once completed, these projects will restore the grandeur associated with the era of Samrat Vikramaditya and usher in a new chapter of religious, spiritual and economic prosperity. He said that more than 400 million devotees are expected to visit Ujjain during Simhastha-2028. With newly constructed and upgraded ghats, nearly 4 crore devotees will be able to take the holy dip within 24 hours. The Government is making comprehensive arrangements to ensure that every pilgrim can bathe in the sacred waters of the Shipra River.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is witnessing a remarkable transformation, with religious tourism receiving fresh impetus. The nation is progressing through the philosophy of ‘Development through Heritage.’ Ujjain, the city of Mahakal and Kaal (Time), occupies a unique place in India’s spiritual landscape, and only the fortunate receive the opportunity to visit it. Infrastructure development for Simhastha-2028 is being undertaken with a long-term vision and with the blessings of the Almighty. He noted that every Simhastha has inspired introspection on past challenges, and the workshop had been organised with the same objective.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav recalled serving as a Scout and Guide volunteer during the 1980 Simhastha and participating in Simhastha Committee meetings in 1992. He said committees for the upcoming Simhastha would soon be constituted, bringing together experienced people from all sections of society so that their valuable suggestions could be incorporated. The Chief Minister noted that in earlier Simhasthas, arranging accommodation for saints and devotees posed a major challenge. However, since 2022, Ujjain has witnessed rapid expansion of hotels, road widening and infrastructure development. Nearly every major road used by devotees has been widened, while new ghats are under construction along the Shipra River. The Sevarkhedi-Silarkhedi Water Project will ensure adequate water availability in the Shipra. Permanent ghats will also prevent soil erosion and help maintain a continuous and uniform river flow.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that road connectivity between Ujjain and all neighbouring cities is being significantly strengthened. Necessary arrangements will also be made in coordination with neighbouring states to facilitate smooth movement of pilgrims. Railway infrastructure is also being upgraded. With the operationalisation of the Fatehabad rail track, trains bound for Nagda no longer need to pass through Ujjain. He also acknowledged the Prime Minister and the Union Railway Minister for sanctioning a new railway station for Ujjain. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, expressing confidence said that suggestions from experienced officers and citizens with previous Simhastha events would help ensure the successful organisation of Simhastha-2028.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said, sharing details of the ongoing preparations that New ghats extending over 29 kilometres are being constructed on both banks of the Shipra River at a cost of ₹778 crore to provide safe and convenient bathing facilities for devotees from across India and abroad. Existing permanent ghats spanning 7.8 kilometres are being upgraded at a cost of ₹120 crore. Ujjain is being connected through an integrated network of roads, railways, and air connectivity, with six-lane and four-lane roads being developed in all four directions. The Ujjain-Indore six-lane highway, costing approximately ₹1,692 crore, is nearing completion.

To facilitate crowd movement and prevent congestion, 22 new bridges are being constructed, and existing bridges are being widened at a cost of ₹853.46 crore. The project includes 17 river bridges and 5 railway overbridges. A Central Digital Command Centre is being developed at a cost of ₹139 crore for real-time monitoring, crowd management, traffic regulation, and emergency response. The centre will feature integrated CCTV surveillance across the city and fair area, AI-based crowd management, and advanced emergency coordination systems. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that special focus is also being placed on integrated disaster management, capacity building of human resources and fire safety management to ensure a safe Simhastha.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav informed that major connectivity projects include Ujjain-Jaora Road – ₹5,017 crore, Ujjain-Indore Greenfield Corridor – ₹2,935 crore, Ujjain-Jhalawar Road (2-lane to 4-lane) – ₹2,523 crore, Ujjain-Maksi Road (2-lane to 4-lane) – ₹351 crore, Ujjain-Garoth Road – ₹2,660 crore and Simhastha Bypass – ₹7.02 crore. To ensure seamless rail connectivity during Simhastha, 236 special trains will be operated. Seven railway stations—Ujjain, Nai Khedi, Chintaman, Panwasa, Mohanpura, Pingleshwar, and Vikram Nagar—are also being upgraded and modernised. A new airport is being developed over approximately 457 acres on the Ujjain-Dewas Road. In addition, four modern helipads are being constructed at Sadawal at a cost of ₹13.45 crore.
A short film highlighting the infrastructure development works being undertaken for Simhastha-2028 was also screened during the workshop.

MLA Shri Anil Jain Kaluheda and other local public representatives attended the workshop. Ujjain Commissioner and Simhastha Mela Officer Shri Ashish Singh briefed participants on the preparations. Ujjain Collector Shri Roshan Kumar Singh, retired and serving administrative and police officers associated with previous Simhastha events were also present. Additional Director General of Police, Ujjain, Shri Rakesh Gupta proposed the vote of thanks.