MP CM unveils youth, infra push as Ujjain readies for Simhastha

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday said Ujjain is steadily emerging as a global centre of spiritual consciousness, guided by the blessings of Baba Mahakal and strengthened by coordinated efforts of the Government, administration and citizens. Addressing a large gathering at Nanakheda Stadium, he said that in just the past three to four days, more than five lakh devotees have visited Mahakaleshwar Temple, reflecting the city’s growing spiritual and cultural stature.

The Chief Minister said devotees coming to Ujjain are not merely guests but are “invited by Baba Mahakal himself”, and therefore arrangements for pilgrims must be marked by sensitivity, warmth and discipline. He stressed that public cooperation is the true service to Mahakal and will play a decisive role in making Simhastha-2028 a grand, divine, well-organised and historic event.

At the function, Yadav inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 12 development projects worth about Rs 129 crore. He also launched three major youth-focused initiatives — Project Swadhyay (Coding for All), the UtkarshUjjain.com web portal and the Kaushal Setu industry-led skill development programme. He said these initiatives would move young people beyond degrees, equipping them to be job-ready, startup-ready and future-ready.

In the Ujjain urban area, the Chief Minister laid the foundation for 11 additional projects worth Rs 124 crore. These include large-scale road widening works, expansion of Kapila Gaushala with capacity for 3,000 cattle, development works in an EWS colony, construction of a sports complex and a new Janpad Panchayat building. He also announced that the city’s old hockey stadium will be upgraded with a modern astroturf, enabling it to host international matches.

Highlighting preparations for Simhastha-2028, Yadav said projects worth Rs 2,675 crore have already been approved, with work underway to strengthen ghats, road networks and crowd management systems.

He said Ujjain is being developed as a medical tourism hub, with a MediCity under construction, alongside an IT Park, Science City, an industrial park, new railway stations and a major airport near the city.

The Chief Minister also announced the construction of Shani Lok at a cost of Rs 140 crore and said Ujjain will become part of the Indore–Ujjain Metropolitan Area, set to be the country’s second-largest after Delhi.