MP plans holding hubs across nearly 10 districts for expected 30 crore pilgrims in Simhastha 2028

Indore: With Simhastha 2028 expected to attract nearly 30 crore pilgrims, the Madhya Pradesh govt is expanding preparations far beyond Ujjain by developing a vast network of integrated holding areas across nearly 10 districts. These facilities will serve as temporary transit townships, helping manage pilgrim movement, ease traffic congestion and provide essential services during the mega religious gathering.

According to officials, holding areas will be established in districts including Indore, Khandwa, Sehore, Bhopal, Narmadapuram (Hoshangabad), Jhabua, Ratlam, Agar Malwa, Shajapur, Neemuch and Mandsaur. The sites will feature parking facilities, food courts, rest zones, medical units, sanitation infrastructure, drinking-water stations, bathing facilities, fuel stations, bio-toilets, mobile toilets, cafeterias, helpdesks and public address systems.

The state govt is planning a three-tier holding system that will enable authorities to regulate the flow of pilgrims based on crowd levels and traffic conditions in Ujjain. The strategy marks a significant expansion of an earlier proposal that envisaged eight holding corridors within a 50–70 km radius of the city. It has now evolved into a wider regional network covering neighbouring districts to better manage both pilgrims and vehicles.

“With an estimated footfall of crores of devotees, Simhastha 2028 requires planning at a regional scale. The holding-area network is designed to provide essential services, regulate traffic flow and ensure a safer and more comfortable experience for pilgrims while reducing pressure on Ujjain,” said Asheesh Singh, commissioner, Ujjain division.

During a recent review meeting, additional chief secretary Rajesh Rajora directed district collectors to identify suitable land parcels and prepare detailed plans for parking, drinking water, toilets and other amenities. He also sought information on satellite parking sites used during Simhastha 2016 and their effectiveness in traffic management.

In Indore district, Gulawat-Thirakhedi, Hatunia and the Sahana Road stretch along NH-52 have been proposed as holding locations. Dhar district has been asked to identify suitable sites in the Badnawar-Petlawad belt, while work on the alternative Indore-Ujjain road is being accelerated to improve connectivity.

Officials said the holding hubs will be integrated with satellite parking facilities, dedicated traffic corridors and real-time monitoring systems, creating an extensive pilgrim-management network across central and western Madhya Pradesh.