29 June,2026 05:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis said the project aims to transform the famous pilgrimage town while providing world-class facilities for devotees. File Pic
The Maharashtra government has announced that the comprehensive development of Pandharpur will be carried out through the Urban Development Department under the 'Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple Precinct Development and Commercial Complex Plan', an official statement said on Monday.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the project aims to transform the famous pilgrimage town while providing world-class facilities for devotees, protecting the interests of local residents and creating new employment opportunities.
Chairing a review meeting at the Vidhan Bhavan, Fadnavis said the state government had granted administrative approval of Rs 3,993.90 crore for the project on June 18, 2026, following approval by the State-Level Apex Committee.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, MLA Samadhan Awatade and senior officials attended the meeting.
The master plan includes:
- Rs 288.66 crore for improving facilities for pilgrims.
- Rs 36 crore for the conservation and restoration of ancient temples and monasteries.
- Rs 254.61 crore for the construction of a grand temple corridor.
A total of Rs 579.27 crore will be spent on the Pandharpur temple corridor project.
The project also includes:
- Development of the city circumambulation (Pradakshina) route.
- Beautification of the Chandrabhaga River ghats.
- Construction of modern parking facilities and commercial complexes.
- City beautification works.
- New roads and bridges connecting different parts of the town.
- Development of Palkhi halting areas for pilgrims.
A total of Rs 1,387.91 crore has been allocated for these infrastructure projects.
The government said protecting the interests of affected residents remains a key priority.
An amount of Rs 2,026.72 crore has been earmarked for land acquisition, rehabilitation and compensation for affected properties.
The Chief Minister said the project would ensure balanced development while safeguarding the rights of local citizens.
Fadnavis directed officials to release 30 per cent of the required land acquisition funds immediately.
Accordingly, the state government has proposed Rs 600 crore through a supplementary demand during the 2026 Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Legislature.
A proposal for a special rehabilitation policy for residents affected within the Pandharpur Municipal Council area has also been submitted to the Urban Development Department.
The officials said that the government believes the redevelopment project will make Pandharpur a world-class pilgrimage destination by improving facilities for lakhs of devotees visiting the town every year.
They said that the project is also expected to boost religious tourism, strengthen the local economy, generate employment and improve infrastructure across the temple town.
