Ujjain, the spiritual heart of Madhya Pradesh, is gearing up for the grand Simhastha 2028. Known as one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, Simhastha attracts millions of devotees from across India and abroad. With the massive scale of the event, preparations have already begun—and one of the most unique proposals under discussion is the construction of a cycle track parallel to the ghats of the Kshipra river.
A 30-Kilometre Cycle Track Along the Ghats
According to a recent review meeting led by Sanjay Dubey, Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development and Housing Department, a 30 km long cycle track will be constructed parallel to the ghats along the sacred Kshipra river. This initiative is expected to not only enhance the spiritual and cultural experience of devotees but also promote eco-friendly mobility during the mega event.
Green and Sustainable Infrastructure
The idea goes hand in hand with other environment-conscious measures. The water resources department has been instructed to plant large-scale shade-giving trees with the help of social organizations. These trees will provide relief to lakhs of devotees who gather at the ghats during the hot summer months of the fair.
The ghats themselves are set to get a facelift with the use of red sandstone, giving them both durability and aesthetic appeal.
Focus on Devotee Comfort and Crowd Management
During the meeting, Sanjay Dubey emphasized that arrangements for Simhastha 2028 should ensure a smooth experience for devotees—whether it’s bathing, performing rituals, or moving across the ghats.
Special attention is being given to:
- Temporary changing rooms at bathing ghats.
- Better viewing and bathing facilities for both locals and visiting devotees.
- Coordination with police forces for crowd control and traffic management.
- Easy movement for devotees arriving from across India and abroad.
Integration with Railways and Other Infrastructure
To further strengthen infrastructure, Dubey directed officials to coordinate with railways for design approvals on required track constructions. This will help manage the massive inflow of devotees expected during the fair.
Administrative Collaboration
The meeting also saw the participation of urban development commissioner Sanket Bhondve, divisional commissioner Ashesh Singh, and Simhastha fair officer Roshan Kumar Singh. Together, they are working to ensure timely completion of all construction and infrastructural work ahead of the 2028 fair.
Looking Ahead
The cycle track along the Kshipra ghats is not just about convenience; it is a vision for green mobility, improved health, and sustainable infrastructure. By combining traditional spirituality with modern eco-friendly initiatives, Simhastha 2028 is poised to set a new benchmark in hosting religious congregations.
As preparations progress, one thing is clear: Ujjain is not just preparing for a religious event—it is preparing for an experience where tradition, devotion, and sustainability meet.