CM Fadnavis Approves Rs 993 Crore Push for Pilgrimage Sites, Forts and Heritage Tourism in Maharashtra

Mumbai, May 2026 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday directed officials to complete development works at pilgrimage centres within stipulated timelines while ensuring world-class facilities for devotees and tourists. Stressing the importance of preserving the state’s historical and religious heritage, he said the government would prioritise conservation, infrastructure enhancement and tourism promotion at key spiritual and heritage destinations across Maharashtra.

The directions were issued during a high-level meeting of the Apex Committee on Pilgrimage Development Plans held at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister. The committee approved development projects worth Rs 993.72 crore for six major pilgrimage centres, forts and historical sites across the state.

Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Ajit Pawar, along with ministers and senior officials, attended the meeting.

Rs 172 crore for Bhimashankar Development

The state government approved an allocation of Rs 172.22 crore for the comprehensive and sustainable development of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple and its surrounding areas. The Chief Minister directed officials to complete land acquisition on time and finish the project by May 2027.

The development plan includes a modern bus terminal, parking facilities, widened roads, bypass roads to ease traffic congestion, pedestrian pathways, covered corridors, amphitheatre facilities, flooring works, a sewage treatment plant with a capacity of 257 KLD, a new police station and rest house.

Future development proposals include setting up a substation near the Dimbhe Dam area, introducing a ropeway facility, upgrading the MTDC Bhimashankar resort and creating tourism infrastructure in Rajapur.

Rs 41 crore for Sant Tukaram Maharaj Birthplace

The government also approved a Rs 41.71 crore conservation and development plan for the birthplace of Sant Tukaram Maharaj at Dehu and the surrounding religious sites.

The project will focus on the restoration and beautification of the birthplace temple, Vaikunthgaman site and Bhandara Hill area. The works include road beautification, sanitation facilities, drinking water arrangements, parking spaces, accommodation for devotees and establishment of information centres.

The plan also proposes environmental conservation measures, including afforestation and preservation of the natural landscape around Bhandara Hill.

Rs 134 crore for Ajinkyatara Fort

A development package worth Rs 134.80 crore has been approved for the conservation and beautification of Ajinkyatara Fort in Satara district.

The project includes infrastructure development, spectator galleries, pedestrian pathways, landscaping, restoration of Raj Sadar, conservation of bastions, tourism attractions, hanging bridge facilities, sanitation systems and rest houses. The Chief Minister directed that all work should be carried out under expert supervision.

Rs 133 crore for Sangam Mahuli Memorial Site

The government has sanctioned Rs 133 crore for the restoration and development of the Sangam Mahuli memorial site in Satara district.

The project includes restoration of the memorials of Maharani Tarabai, Maharani Yesubai and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, along with landscaping work. The historic Sangameshwar temple and ghats will also be restored. New tourism facilities such as a hanging bridge, viewing gallery and modern pathways will be created to transform the area into an international-standard tourist destination.

Rs 210 crore for Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

A revised development plan worth Rs 210.45 crore has been approved for Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple.

The project includes construction of modern accommodation facilities for devotees, waiting halls, shopping complexes, function halls, ghats and a 1.6-km bypass road around the temple complex.

Rs 301 crore for Parli Vaijnath Temple

The state also cleared an additional Rs 301.54 crore plan for the development of Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Temple.

The project will be implemented in three phases. The first phase includes grand entrance gates, digital queue systems, waiting halls, food courts, yoga and meditation centres and beautification works. The second phase focuses on restoration of sacred water bodies, ghats, cycle tracks, facilities for differently-abled visitors, food courts and CCTV surveillance systems.

The third phase will include development of Meru Mountain with a grand Shiva statue, museum dedicated to Shiv Puran and Vedic traditions, amphitheatre, laser light-and-sound shows and meditation centres.

District Collectors from Pune, Beed and Satara made detailed presentations on the proposed development plans during the meeting.