Maharashtra's Temple Towns Set for Planned Development and Enhanced Infrastructure

Kolhapur/Nashik: The Union Budget's emphasis on temple towns that need modern infrastructure and basic amenities is expected to boost Maharashtra's smaller cities that draw thousands of devotees. During her speech, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said cities are India's engines of growth, innovation, and opportunities. 'We shall now focus on tier II and III cities, and even temple-towns, which need modern infrastructure and basic amenities,' she said, with a focus on cities with a population of five lakh.

Maharashtra, which has several pilgrimage and religious centres, could gain significantly from these announcements. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated, 'This Budget has direction, speed, and funds for different sectors, especially to tackle growing urbanisation. This is a major challenge for Maharashtra. For the first time, planned unified development of cities with more than 5 lakh population has been proposed.'

In Kolhapur, the Mahalaxmi temple development plan has been put in place, but the announcement is expected to help create more facilities for devotees. Experts believe a lack of parking and a shortage of lodging facilities compels devotees to leave the city for their next destination immediately after visiting the temple. Sanjay Shete, president of Kolhapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said, 'There is a need for big multilevel parking facilities. Also, the vacant space near Shahu Mill can be utilised to develop tourist lodges.'

At Pandharpur, where the Vitthal Rukhmini temple is located, the state government plans to develop a temple corridor on the lines of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. Nashik city has a large number of pilgrimage places, and all-round development of the area is expected to benefit residents and visitors. Some of the prominent temples near Nashik are Trimbakeshwar temple (30 km), Shirdi (80 km), and Saptashrungi Gad (80 km).

'There are vast opportunities for the development of these places. They can be developed as religious or pilgrimage spots on a hub-spoke model for economic growth. The Budget could help in measures like setting up corridors for transportation between these places,' said Nashik district collector Ayush Prasad. Two more projects await clearance. The ropeways at Trimbakeshwar and Saptashrungi Gad could provide convenient transportation and prove to be a tourist attraction.

'There are issues like toilets and parking places that can be managed by the local self-governing bodies. The most important issues are connectivity, which require government funds and support. Central government spending here could create ample opportunities for economic growth,' said another senior official. Nashik city could also benefit from the scheme. Work on phase 1 of Ram Kaal Path is underway using Rs 99.1 crore sanctioned through Central government funds. 'We are proposing a phase 2 project worth Rs 350 crore that will cater to the development of the ghat from Holkar Bridge to Talkuteshwar bank, creating a vending zone and parking facility. Amusement area and plantation will create a serene atmosphere here, attracting tourists,' said Nashik municipal commissioner Manisha Khatri.