Maharashtra approves Rs 115 crore development plan for three major pilgrimage sites in Parbhani, Amravati, and Nagpur

Maharashtra has approved revised development plans worth Rs 115 crore for three major pilgrimage sites in Parbhani, Amravati, and Nagpur. The projects aim to boost religious tourism, upgrade riverfronts and pilgrim amenities, and support the local economy

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday approved revised development plans of Rs 115 crore for three pilgrimage centres in Parbhani, Amravati and Nagpur districts.

The approval includes a Rs 48.55 crore development plan for Sant Janabai pilgrimage site at Gangakhed in Parbhani district, Rs 25 crore for Sant Gadgebaba memorial at Amravati and Rs 41.75 crore for the Chakradhar Swami temple complex at Katol in Nagpur district, according to an official release.

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Chairing a meeting of the apex committee on pilgrimage development, the Chief Minister directed officials to complete the projects within a fixed timeline while preserving the state’s spiritual heritage.

He called for the holistic development of religious destinations to preserve the legacy of Maharashtra’s saint tradition and promote religious tourism.

Fadnavis directed that all works be executed in phases, ensuring quality standards, considering the large number of devotees visiting the sites (Gangakhed, Amravati, and Katol) during festivals, according to an official statement.

He said the projects would not only provide better facilities to pilgrims but also boost local employment, tourism and the regional economy.

The Gangakhed project includes construction of a cultural hall, development of the Godavari riverfront, a darshan pavilion, gardens, pathways, roads, sanitation facilities, solar power infrastructure, CCTV surveillance, drinking water facilities and landscaping.

The Amravati project envisages completion of the Sant Gadge Maharaj Memorial Cultural and Value Education Centre, expansion of the pilgrims’ accommodation, a kirtan hall, restoration and beautification of the samadhi, a meditation centre, internal roads, parking and other civic amenities.

The Katol project includes a multipurpose hall, modern public amenities, a grand entrance gate, parking facilities, gardens, pathways, a bridge and other tourism infrastructure at the Chakradhar Swami temple complex, the release said.