Bhimashankar Pilgrimage Centre Set for Major Transformation; 90% of Development Work to Be Completed Before Next Year’s Kumbh Mela: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 13th June 2026: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that nearly 90 percent of the ongoing development work at the sacred Bhimashankar pilgrimage centre would be completed before the commencement of next year’s Kumbh Mela, paving the way for a comprehensive transformation of the renowned Jyotirlinga shrine.

During his visit to Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar, the Chief Minister performed the ceremonial worship of the foundation stone key installed at the newly constructed assembly hall (Sabhamandap) in front of the main temple and also hoisted the Brahma Dhwaj. He later reviewed the progress of the temple precinct development project and the
Heritage Wadi rehabilitation initiative.

MLA Dilip Walse Patil, Babaji Kale, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi, temple trustees, and senior officials from various departments were present on the occasion.

Expressing satisfaction over the pace and quality of work, Fadnavis praised the district administration for executing the project efficiently within a short period. He noted that Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga holds immense religious significance across the country and that restoration and infrastructure development works around the temple are progressing rapidly.

“The approved master plan is being implemented effectively. Through the temple precinct development project, the entire face of Bhimashankar will change,” Fadnavis said, while also acknowledging the cooperation extended by local residents.

Referring to the Heritage Wadi project, the Chief Minister said around 150 households are being relocated to a nearby site where a modern village equipped with improved civic amenities is being developed. He added that the project is not merely a rehabilitation exercise but is also expected to create new economic opportunities for local residents.

Fadnavis further highlighted the transportation planning being undertaken as part of the project. Separate roads for incoming and outgoing traffic are being developed to prevent congestion, while electric vehicles will be introduced to facilitate travel for senior citizens. Shops, a bus station, and other public amenities are also being planned in a systematic manner to benefit both pilgrims and local businesses.

Expressing confidence in the project’s long-term impact, the Chief Minister said the number of devotees visiting Bhimashankar is expected to increase five to tenfold once the development works are completed.

“The ongoing initiatives will significantly enhance the pilgrimage experience while preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of Bhimashankar,” he said, expressing satisfaction with the overall progress of the project.