Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav visited the historic Lalbagh Palace in Indore on Tuesday to pay floral tributes to the statue of Subeidar Malharrao Holkar, the founder of the Holkar dynasty. During the visit, he performed the Bhoomi-Pujan ceremony for the Rs 47.59 crore restoration and redevelopment project of Lalbagh Palace and its gardens.
Dr. Yadav toured the palace premises, inspecting the heritage structure and its architectural aesthetics. He reviewed the progress of ongoing conservation efforts and learned about the palace’s notable features, including the meeting room, crown hall, banquet hall, durbar hall, king’s office, consultation room, western meeting room, Indian dining rooms for men and women, and the ballroom.
Architect Puneet Sohal presented an overview of the project, detailing the completed work and future plans for restoration and redevelopment. The Chief Minister expressed his hopes for the successful completion of the ambitious initiative, emphasizing its role in reviving Lalbagh Palace’s historical legacy and cultural prestige.
The project aims to preserve the palace’s gardens and the Holkar heritage while transforming the garden into a vibrant space for social and cultural activities. Funded by Rs 47.59 crore from the Singhsth Fund, the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation will oversee the execution, targeting completion within 24 months, by May 2027.
Key components of the redevelopment include constructing a boundary wall, pathways, parking facilities, softscaping and irrigation, public amenities, ticket counters, a garden café, an open-air stage, and pavilion. Additionally, the project will establish a Rani Ahilyabai Self-Defense Center for girls, a botanical defense center, external electrification, decorative lighting, a piped music system for the gardens, and CCTV surveillance.
The event was attended by cabinet members and other public representatives, who praised the government’s commitment to preserving and enhancing this significant heritage site.