MP Government to Construct 29-Km Pathway Along Shipra River for Ujjain Simhastha-2028.

The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has approved a proposal to construct a 29-km-long pathway along the banks of the Shipra River and develop 'ghats' in preparation for the Ujjain Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2028. The state government anticipates that around two crore people will visit Ujjain daily during the month-long event, necessitating the development of several ghats to accommodate the influx of devotees.

Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya announced that the project, estimated to cost Rs 771 crore, will include a 29-km pathway stretching from the Shani temple on the river’s right bank to the Nagda bypass. The pathway aims to provide easy access for visitors to the ghats and enhance the overall experience during the religious event.

As part of the ongoing preparations for Simhastha Kumbh-2028, the state government has already approved several major infrastructure projects, including a metro line connecting Indore and Ujjain. Additionally, a Rs 2,312 crore four-lane highway project between the two cities has been approved, alongside two other major road projects: the Indore-Ujjain Greenfield Road and the Indore-Depalpur Road.

The Simhastha Kumbh Mela, held once every 12 years in Ujjain, attracts millions of devotees from across India and abroad. During the event, all 13 Akharas of saints and seers will take ceremonial dips in the Shipra River, with separate ghats being constructed specifically for their use. The government has also announced plans to develop ashrams and dharamshalas for the saints and seers in Ujjain, modeled after those in Haridwar.

ET