₹4,150 Crore Development Plan for Pandharpur Approved; CM Devendra Fadnavis Sets 30-Month Deadline

Mumbai, May 2026 : A comprehensive development plan worth ₹4,150.46 crore for the holistic transformation of Pandharpur has been approved at a high-level committee meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Chief Minister directed that all planned works be completed within the next 30 months, keeping in mind the long-term needs of the pilgrimage centre for the next 50 years.

Highlighting Pandharpur’s importance as a major religious and cultural hub, Fadnavis said lakhs of devotees visit the town annually during Ashadhi, Kartiki, Chaitri, and Maghi Wari to seek blessings of Lord Vitthal and Rukmini. Given the steadily increasing footfall, he stressed the need for well-planned, large-scale infrastructure development to ensure a smooth and safe experience for pilgrims.

The meeting, held at Mantralaya, was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore, senior officials, and legislators. The Chief Minister emphasised that the development should focus on providing clean, congestion-free, secure, and spiritually fulfilling facilities for visitors.

He also directed that affected residential and commercial property owners, along with tenants, be given fair compensation without delay. Adequate funds for land acquisition must be made available promptly, ensuring that no project is stalled due to financial constraints.

According to the proposal presented by Solapur District Collector S. Karthikeyan, ₹735.80 crore has been earmarked for crowd management corridors, conservation of ancient temples and monasteries, livelihood opportunities for affected individuals, and comprehensive facilities for pilgrims. Another ₹1,387.91 crore will be spent on city beautification, development of the Nagar Pradakshina route, riverfront ghats, parking areas, commercial complexes, roads, bridges, and Palakhi halting points.

Additionally, ₹2,026.75 crore has been allocated for land acquisition, rehabilitation, and compensation for affected structures.

The ambitious plan aims to transform Pandharpur into a modern yet culturally rooted pilgrimage destination, ensuring sustainable infrastructure while preserving its spiritual heritage.