Gujarat completes first two phases of Rs 359 crore Pavagadh redevelopment project
Gandhinagar, July 20
The Gujarat government is advancing a Rs 359 crore master plan to upgrade infrastructure and pilgrim facilities at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Champaner-Pavagadh, with two phases of the project already completed and additional works planned to further improve access and visitor amenities.
According to the officials, the redevelopment programme covers the Mahakali Temple at Pavagadh, one of Gujarat's most prominent pilgrimage destinations, and the surrounding Champaner Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
"The project is being implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi as part of efforts to preserve heritage while improving infrastructure for visitors," officials said.
The government said the four-phase master plan has an estimated outlay of Rs 359 crore.
Works worth Rs 121 crore have been completed under the first and second phases through the Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board, focussing on expanding the temple complex and improving facilities for devotees.
The Mahakali Temple premises have been expanded from 545 square metres to approximately 2,980 square metres across three levels.
Authorities have also installed electrification, a public address system and CCTV surveillance along the approach route.
A 3.01-kilometre access pathway, including 2,374 steps connecting Machi Chowk to the temple, has also been completed to improve access for pilgrims.
The government stated, "Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi', the state government is carrying out major development works at the world-renowned Pavagadh pilgrimage site. The state government has launched a Rs 359 crore mega master plan for the holistic development of Pavagadh."
The remaining third and fourth phases, with a combined investment of Rs 238 crore, are aimed at further developing infrastructure around the heritage site.
Under Phase 3A, a multi-level parking facility at Machi Chowk has been completed at a cost of Rs 13.68 crore.
Phase 3B, with an allocation of Rs 135.19 crore, includes the construction and improvement of internal and external roads, pedestrian pathways, electrification, landscaping, parking facilities for more than 600 two-wheelers and cars, and bus infrastructure at Champaner.
The government also plans to redevelop the Vada Talav precinct with landscaped gardens, ghats, a water jetty, a footbridge, a theme park, a children's play area, an activity zone, a birdwatch tower, craft stalls and parking space for around 500 cars.
The state government said the project is being implemented in line with the vision of preserving heritage while strengthening facilities at important pilgrimage centres across Gujarat.
The government also highlighted the increase in pilgrim footfall since the completion of the Pavagadh Redevelopment project in June 2022.
"On June 18, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the temple's sacred flag and installed the 'Kalash' atop the reconstructed temple 'shikhara', restoring the structure after a gap of 500 years," officials added.
According to official figures, more than 3.84 crore devotees visited the Mahakali Temple between 2022-23 and June 18, 2026, compared with around 2.32 crore visitors during the five years from 2016-17 to 2021-22.
Overall, the temple has recorded more than 6.17 crore devotees between 2016-17 and 2025-26, with the government stating that "the ongoing infrastructure projects are expected to further improve visitor facilities in the coming years".
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a Gujarati, I'm proud of this initiative! The 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi' vision is finally showing results. The 3.84 crore pilgrims in just 3 years vs 2.32 crore in 5 years before speaks volumes. Just hope the Vada Talav redevelopment doesn't become another commercialized tourist trap—keep it spiritual and serene.
Impressive numbers—over 6 crore visitors since 2016. The 3.01 km pathway with 2,374 steps sounds like quite the climb! But seriously, the multi-level parking and CCTV are smart additions for safety. Would love to visit this UNESCO site one day.
Good project, but is Rs 359 crore justified? With so many basic issues in rural Gujarat—drought, education, healthcare—I wonder if such lavish spending on a single temple is the right priority. The PM hoisting flag and installing 'Kalash' after 500 years is symbolic, but let's not ignore grassroots needs. Just my two paise.
💪 Gujarat is showing the way! The Champaner-Pavagadh heritage site deserves this upgrade. I visited last year and the new pathway and facilities made a huge difference. The birdwatch tower and theme park at Vada Talav sound exciting for families. Keep it up, CM Patel!
As a history buff, I'm thrilled to see UNESCO heritage being preserved while modernizing access. The 500-year reconstruction of the temple shikhara is remarkable. However, I
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.