Key Highlights
- ₹20,000 crore revamp to modernize Ujjain ahead of Simhastha 2028.
- Over 30 crore devotees expected to attend the world’s largest spiritual fair.
- City set for India’s first zero-waste “green” Kumbh event.
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh | November 2025:
The Madhya Pradesh government has launched an ambitious ₹20,000 crore plan to overhaul infrastructure and civic amenities in Ujjain ahead of Simhastha 2028, one of the world’s biggest spiritual gatherings. Scheduled between March and May 2028, the festival is expected to draw more than 30 crore pilgrims to the sacred banks of the Shipra River.
Officials say the initiative aims to blend faith with functionality—preserving Ujjain’s spiritual essence while building modern, sustainable city systems.
Massive Infrastructure Overhaul
Citywide projects are underway to strengthen roads, bridges, ghats, and water systems, ensuring smoother travel and better crowd management.
- Road & Connectivity: Widening 581 km of existing roads and building 661 km of new routes. The ₹193 crore MR-22 Riverfront Road will link the Simhastha Bypass with key temples and ghats.
Approach roads to the Mahakaleshwar Temple are being upgraded. - Ghats Revamp: 29 km of new ghats and 9 km of restored ones along the Shipra will be completed at a cost of ₹898 crore, featuring new lighting, safety barriers, and crowd-flow systems.
- Kanh Diversion Project (₹919 crore): A 30 km closed-duct canal will prevent polluted water from Indore’s Kanh River entering the Shipra.
It includes an 18 km cut-and-cover channel and 12 km tunnel for clean, year-round flow. - Sewarkhedi–Silarkhedi Water Project (₹614 crore): A barrage and lift canal will divert 51 million cubic metres of monsoon water to maintain Shipra’s level.
- Water Supply & Sewerage: A ₹1,113 crore plan includes a 150 MLD treatment plant and 700 km pipeline.
A ₹476 crore sewerage network with modern treatment facilities is also in progress.
Bridges, Healthcare & Aviation Links
To manage Simhastha’s crowds and long-term traffic needs, 19 bridges and ROBs (₹440 crore) are under construction.
The Harifatak Bridge is being widened to four lanes at ₹371 crore.
Healthcare capacity is being expanded through a 550-bed hospital, 150-seat medical college, and four heliports for emergency access.
Restoring Heritage, Reviving Culture
The redevelopment also focuses on Ujjain’s heritage.
The historic Kothi Palace will be reborn as the Veer Bharat Museum, celebrating India’s freedom heroes.
The Veer Durgadas Rathore Chhatri is being renovated for ₹52 crore with performance zones and cultural exhibits, blending tradition with tourism.
India’s First Zero-Waste Religious Event
Authorities intend to make Simhastha 2028 India’s first zero-waste green Kumbh.
Smart bins, recycling hubs, reusable utensils, and strict segregation zones will be deployed across the fairgrounds.
“Our goal is to make Simhastha 2028 the cleanest and most sustainable Kumbh ever,”
said an official from the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board.
Chief Minister’s Vision
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav called Simhastha “the pride of Madhya Pradesh.”
“This isn’t only a religious event—it’s a reflection of our state’s capacity to unite faith and development,” he said during a review meeting.
A Model for Faith-Based Urban Growth
From cleaner rivers to better mobility and healthcare, the transformation is expected to leave a lasting legacy.
Officials hope Ujjain will emerge as India’s model city for faith-driven sustainable development, inspiring similar efforts nationwide.
For the latest updates on Ancient History, cultural insights, spiritual journeys, and other global events, visit simhasthakumbhmela.com first.
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