Pavagadh Draws 3.84 Crore Devotees in 4 Years as Gujarat Executes ₹359-Crore Mega Master Plan

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government is implementing a ₹359-crore Mega Master Plan to upgrade infrastructure and pilgrim facilities at the Mahakali Temple in Pavagadh, one of the state’s most prominent religious and heritage destinations. The temple, along with the Champaner Archaeological Park, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts devotees and tourists from across India and abroad.

The state government said the four-phase master plan aims to improve infrastructure while preserving the site’s historical and cultural significance.

Work under the first two phases has been completed at a cost of ₹121 crore. As part of these works, the temple premises have been expanded from 545 square metres to 2,980 square metres across three levels. The project also included improved electrification, a public address system, CCTV surveillance, and the construction of a 3.01-km-wide pathway with 2,374 steps connecting Manchi Chowk to the temple.

The remaining third and fourth phases, estimated to cost ₹238 crore, will focus on further improving visitor amenities. Under Phase 3A, a multi-level parking facility at Manchi Chowk has already been completed at a cost of ₹13.68 crore.

Phase 3B, with an allocation of ₹135.19 crore, includes the development of internal and external roads, pathways, electrification, landscaping, a parking facility for more than 600 vehicles in Champaner, and bus infrastructure. The Vada Talav area will also be redeveloped with a park, ghats, a water jetty, a foot overbridge, a theme park, a children’s play area, an activity zone, a birdwatch tower, craft stalls, and parking for around 500 cars.

The government said the redevelopment has significantly increased footfall at the shrine. Four years have passed since the restoration of the Pavagadh temple, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the temple’s kalash and flag atop the newly reconstructed shikhar on June 18, 2022, after a gap of nearly 500 years.

According to official figures, more than 3.84 crore devotees visited the temple between 2022-23 and June 18, 2026, compared to 2.32 crore visitors during the five years from 2016-17 to 2021-22. Overall, more than 6.17 crore devotees have visited the Mahakali Temple between 2016-17 and June 18, 2026.

The state government said the ongoing infrastructure projects are expected to further improve facilities for pilgrims and support the continued growth of religious tourism at Pavagadh. DeshGujarat