Ujjain Municipal Corporation Moves To Widen Mahakal Temple Road From 12 To 24 Metres For Simhastha 2028

Ujjain Municipal Corporation (UMC) initiated actions on Wednesday to widen the road surrounding Mahakal Temple in preparation for the upcoming Simhastha Mahaparv in 2028. This project aims to expand the current 12-meter-wide road to 24 meters, accommodating the anticipated surge in traffic and devotee movement during the festival.

The court's previous stay on the legal dispute has now been lifted, allowing the UMC to proceed with the demolition of 39 illegal constructions and portions of permanent structures within the designated 24-meter widening zone.

The UMC team, accompanied by police personnel and barricades, began the process by marking the area for removal on Tuesday, causing nearby shops, restaurants, and hotels to close down as a precautionary measure. Some visitors were asked to leave temporarily for security reasons. Local traders and shopkeepers have requested an additional 24 hours to remove their belongings, but the UMC has granted their request and stated that the encroachment removal drive will resume on Thursday.

The widening is deemed essential for smooth movement of devotees and efficient traffic management throughout the Simhastha festival. While the road is currently 12 meters wide, the Ujjain Master Plan identifies sections where 39 illegal constructions and permanent structures fall within the proposed widening area. The UMC aims to ensure a seamless experience for devotees attending the temple and managing the increased flow of traffic during the festival.