Pandharpur Pilgrimage Development Plan to Be Implemented by Urban Development Department: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Pilgrims to Receive World-Class Facilities

Mumbai, June 2026 : The Maharashtra government is committed to the holistic development of the sacred town of Pandharpur as a major spiritual, cultural, and tourism destination. The transformation will be carried out through the Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple Precinct Development and Commercial Complex Master Plan, which will be implemented by the Urban Development Department, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Monday.

He also assured that while providing world-class facilities to the lakhs of devotees visiting Pandharpur, the government would safeguard the interests of local residents by giving priority to rehabilitation, compensation, and employment generation.

The Chief Minister made these remarks while chairing a meeting on the Pandharpur Pilgrimage Development Plan at the Vidhan Bhavan. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Ajit Pawar, MLA Samadhan Avtade, and senior government officials were present.

Fadnavis said that following the approval of the State-Level Apex Committee, the Maharashtra government granted administrative approval on June 18, 2026, for the ₹3,993.90 crore development project proposed by the Solapur District Collector.

Describing the project as a landmark initiative that will redefine the future of Pandharpur, he said it aims to significantly improve facilities for pilgrims while preserving the town’s religious and cultural heritage.

Under the master plan:

• ₹288.66 crore has been allocated to develop comprehensive facilities for pilgrims.
• ₹36 crore has been earmarked for the conservation and restoration of ancient temples and monasteries (maths).
• ₹254.61 crore will be spent on constructing a grand temple corridor around the Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple complex.

Together, these works account for an investment of ₹579.27 crore in the Pandharpur Corridor project.

The broader development plan also includes:

• Development of the Nagar Pradakshina Marg (circumambulatory route around the town).
• Beautification of the Chandrabhaga River ghats.
• Construction of modern parking facilities and commercial complexes.
• Urban beautification projects.
• Development of roads and bridges connecting the pilgrimage town.
• Upgradation of Palkhi halting points for devotees participating in the annual pilgrimage.

A total of ₹1,387.91 crore has been allocated for these infrastructure projects.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the government has accorded the highest priority to protecting the interests of affected residents. Accordingly, ₹2,026.72 crore has been earmarked for land acquisition, rehabilitation, and compensation for affected buildings, ensuring that the project balances development with social justice.

During the meeting of the State-Level Apex Committee, Fadnavis directed officials to immediately release 30 per cent of the funds required for land acquisition, as requested by the Solapur District Collector.

In line with this directive, the state government has made a provision of ₹600 crore through a supplementary demand in the 2026–27 Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Legislature to initiate implementation of the project.

Meanwhile, the Solapur District Collector has submitted a proposal to the Urban Development Department seeking approval for a special rehabilitation policy for residents affected within the Pandharpur Municipal Council area. The proposal is expected to facilitate faster and more systematic execution of the development works.

The Chief Minister said that the ambitious project would not only transform Pandharpur into a world-class pilgrimage destination but also make the journey of millions of devotees more comfortable, safe, and convenient.

He added that the initiative would significantly boost religious tourism, strengthen the local economy, promote trade, generate new employment opportunities, and accelerate the overall development of Pandharpur while preserving its spiritual and cultural significance.