Approval of ₹305 Crore for Pilgrimage Development Plans Summit Committee Meeting Chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

₹129 Crore Allocated for Darshan Mandap and Darshan Queue in Pandharpur

Mumbai : Development projects totaling ₹305.63 crore for various pilgrimage sites across Maharashtra were approved today during the State-Level Summit Committee meeting chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Among the approved works is a project worth ₹129.49 crore for the construction of a Darshan Mandap and Darshan Queue at Sri Kshetra Pandharpur.

Chief Minister Shinde emphasized the importance of allocating substantial funds for the development of pilgrimage sites as committed in the state budget. He directed officials to immediately begin planning for the development of pilgrimage and tourist sites across the state.

The meeting, held at Sahyadri State Guest House, was attended by Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Anil Patil, MLAs Shivendrasinhraje Bhosle, Sadhan Awatade, Saroj Ahire, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, and other senior officials. District collectors from Jalgaon, Nashik, and Satara participated via video conference.

At Sri Kshetra Pandharpur, a new Darshan Mandap and Darshan Queue will be built to accommodate devotees and tourists. The project, worth ₹129.49 crore, will provide facilities for a comfortable and organized pilgrimage experience. Additionally, a theme park based on the life of freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar will be developed in Bhagur, Nashik district. The proposal of ₹40 crore for this project, with an initial allocation of ₹15 crore, was also approved.

Other key projects include a ₹25 crore development plan for Mangalgraha Devasthan in Amalner (Jalgaon district) and an additional ₹47 crore for water sports tourism facilities at Koyna Reservoir in Satara district.

A ₹18 crore development plan for Saint Gadgebaba’s Karmabhoomi in Amravati district, as well as works worth ₹2.67 crore for the development of Sri Kshetra Gahininathgarh (Beed district), were approved. Additionally, a ₹15 crore provision was approved to construct a memorial for martyr Tukaram Omble, the brave officer who captured the terrorist Ajmal Kasab during the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai.

In Nagpur, urban development projects were approved, including the ₹24.73 crore development of Laxminarayan Shiv Mandir in Nandanvan, ₹13.35 crore for Kuttewalebaba Mandir Ashram in Shantinagar, and ₹14.39 crore for Muralidhar Mandir Pardi.

Modern Facilities for Pilgrims in Pandharpur
The Darshan Mandap at Pandharpur will span 16,000 square meters, accommodating up to 6,000 devotees across two floors. A token-based system will manage entry for timely darshan. Additionally, a one-kilometer darshan queue with a skywalk will ensure a smooth experience for pilgrims. The facility will include drinking water, toilets, medical assistance, and food services, providing comfort and reducing waiting times. Separate arrangements will be made for the elderly, disabled, and mothers with young children.

Savarkar Theme Park in Bhagur
A theme park depicting the life of freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar will be developed on two hectares near his birthplace in Bhagur. The park will feature storytelling through audio-visuals, chronicling Savarkar’s life, including his revolutionary activities, imprisonment in the Andaman Islands, and his dedication to India’s freedom struggle.