Maharashtra Unveils Ambitious Rs 4,000 Crore Pandharpur Corridor Project
The Solapur district administration has prepared a comprehensive draft for the "Shri Kshetra Pandharpur Corridor," a transformative infrastructure initiative with a total outlay of Rs 4,000 crore. This significant project includes expenses of Rs 1,800 crore allocated specifically for land acquisition, marking a major step toward enhancing the pilgrimage experience in the historic temple town.
High-Level Presentation and Project Details
The draft was formally presented by District Collector Kumar Ashirwad before Solapur district guardian minister Jaykumar Gore in Mumbai on Monday. The meeting was attended by several key authorities from the Solapur district administration and Pandharpur, underscoring the project's importance. Pandharpur, renowned for hosting the temples of Vitthal and Rukhmini, attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees annually, making this corridor crucial for improving safety and facilities for the Warkari community.
According to district administration officials, the plan is expected to affect approximately 1,000 properties housing around 7,000 residents in the vicinity of the temple. The administration has committed to compensating those impacted, with costs likely to increase following negotiations. Key infrastructure components of the corridor include:
- Seven-storied parking buildings, totaling four structures, to manage vehicular traffic efficiently.
- Two pedestrian bridges over the Chandrabhaga river to enhance connectivity and safety for pilgrims.
- A housing complex for sanitation staffers in the temple town, ensuring better living conditions for essential workers.
Political Backing and Future Steps
Guardian Minister Jaykumar Gore emphasized that this is a dream project of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, highlighting its significance in the state's development agenda. "A detailed discussion over the plan has been conducted," Gore stated. "Some suggestions have been made to prioritize safety and proper facilities. We aim to complete the project within the estimated timeframe, with the quality of works being our top priority."
Following Gore's suggestions, the plan will undergo tweaks before being presented to the state cabinet. Sources indicate that the cabinet is expected to approve the project soon, with Fadnavis potentially announcing the allocation of funds in the upcoming state budget. This move aligns with broader efforts to boost religious tourism and infrastructure in Maharashtra.
The "Shri Kshetra Pandharpur Corridor" represents a landmark initiative aimed at modernizing pilgrimage infrastructure while preserving the spiritual essence of Pandharpur. As the project progresses, it is poised to significantly improve the experience for devotees and residents alike, fostering sustainable development in the region.
