Ambaji: Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel laid the foundation stone for various development works worth Rs. 950 crore under the first phase of the Ambaji Corridor Project, which is to be completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,632 crore at Adyashakti Dham Ambaji.

Keeping in view tourist facilities for the next 25 years, a master plan worth Rs. 1,632 crore has been prepared for the ‘Shakti Corridor’ in Ambaji. The works included in the first phase of the corridor, for which the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone, will provide multiple amenities for tourists in the coming days, including multi-level parking, an underpass road, Yatri Niwas pathway, Divya Darshan Chowk, Shaktipeeth, an amphitheatre, and a light-and-sound show.

Addressing the ceremony, the Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister has undertaken the renovation and development of pilgrimage sites across the country with the mantra of “Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi.” Holy places such as the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Mahakal Lok, Kedarnath, and Vaijnath Dham have gained a new identity, while historic milestones like the construction of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the flag hoisting in Pavagadh after five hundred years have also been achieved under his leadership.

He further stated that the Prime Minister’s vision for the development of Ambaji Dham, one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, is being realised. Every year, the 51 Shakti Peeth Parikrama Mahotsav is successfully organised, with lakhs of devotees participating in the darshan of Mataji. He noted that more than five lakh devotees took part in the recently held Parikrama Mahotsav.

Following the Prime Minister’s approach of linking pilgrimage development with tourism, the country’s largest light-and-sound show has been started at Gabbar in Ambaji, and new facilities are being created for pilgrims through projects such as the Parikrama Path and Cultural Village, he added.

The Chief Minister also said that the Ambaji–Taranga rail project will strengthen regional connectivity, enhance pilgrim convenience, and boost local economic development.

He added that the Gujarat Holy Pilgrimage Development Board has completed development works worth crores of rupees at various pilgrimage sites across the state so far, with more projects planned in the coming years.

On the occasion, Minister of State Praveenbhai Mali said that the state government is fully committed to the all-round development of Ambaji Dham, where faith, culture, and spiritual power converge, and that this grand and farsighted plan will make Ambaji’s new development journey memorable for generations.

MoS Jayarambhai Gamit said that lakhs of devotees visit Ambaji Shaktipeeth every year during the Bhadarvi Poonam Maha Mela. Keeping this unwavering faith in mind, the government is developing Ambaji through the Rs. 1,632 crore mega corridor project. He noted that the historic development will provide state-of-the-art facilities to devotees while also creating significant local employment opportunities and giving new impetus to Banaskantha district’s economy.

Another key highlight of the visit was the unveiling of the Shakti Trishul installed at Trishuliya Ghati. Modelled on the 1,500-year-old historic trident of Uttarkashi, the structure is expected to become a new centre of attraction for devotees in the coming years.

Tourism Secretary Kuldeep Arya, Yatra Dham Board Member Secretary Ramesh Merza, District Collector Mihir Patel, District Development Officer M.J. Dave, the Ambaji Sarpanch, and several officials, office-bearers, and citizens were also present at the programme. DeshGujarat