Ujjain, March 17 Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel, along with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, laid the foundation stone for a series of development projects linked to the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Ujjain on Tuesday.
The projects, estimated at around Rs 662.46 crore, are being undertaken by the Ujjain Development Authority (UDA) under various urban development schemes. These include the creation of a new township, along with the expansion of water supply and sewer infrastructure.
As part of the Simhastha preparations, the UDA plans to develop a township spread across 473.32 hectares in the villages of Neemanwasa, Dhatarawda, and Lalpur.
The project will include approximately 35 km of 24-meter and 30-meter wide concrete roads, along with sewer lines, water supply systems, underground electrification, street lighting, and related infrastructure. The township component alone is expected to cost Rs 160.39 crore, according to an official statement.
In addition, a dedicated Simhastha Mela Office building will be constructed at a cost of Rs 29.84 crore to support planning and coordination during the event. The proposed G+1 structure, with a built-up area of about 63,000 square feet, will house an Integrated Command and Control Centre for monitoring and managing arrangements.
The Governor and the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for a new Gita Bhawan in Ujjain, to be built at an estimated cost of Rs 77 crore. The complex will include a 12,700 square foot auditorium and an e-library covering 3,600 square feet.
The state government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, has already earmarked Rs 3,060 crore in the 2026-27 budget for preparations related to the 2028 Simhastha.
Earlier, during a meeting with the Union Finance Minister in New Delhi, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav discussed the state's financial position, outlined development priorities, and sought financial assistance. The discussions also covered funding requirements for Simhastha-related works and other key projects.
The state government has also announced plans to allow saints, seers, and religious leaders to establish permanent ashrams in Ujjain, similar to those in Haridwar, Uttarakhand.