Maharashtra Bhimashankar Temple Gets ₹288 Crore Boost For Eco-Tourism Growth
The Bhimashankar temple area in Maharashtra is set to undergo a ₹288.17-crore transformation aimed at boosting tourism and pilgrim convenience. Authorities have cleared the comprehensive development plan that prioritises eco-tourism, infrastructure upgrades, and safety, with the goal of completing key works before the 2027 Kumbh Mela. The initiative also promises to preserve the temple’s surrounding natural beauty while accommodating rising footfall.
The development blueprint focuses on balancing religious significance with eco-tourism by enhancing the temple area without disrupting its forested terrain. Plans include constructing forest trails and a ropeway system to ease access for devotees and tourists. Key locations like Nigadale will see new facilities including hotels, restaurants, and accommodation to provide improved services while maintaining the region’s ecological sensitivity.
Infrastructure upgrades form a core part of the development plan. Authorities have prioritised internal road improvements and transport connectivity, especially through the Rajgurunagar–Taleghar–Bhimashankar highway corridor. A helipad is also being proposed to enhance accessibility. Commercial spaces for local vendors and shopkeepers will be modernised to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims while promoting local livelihoods through tourism-linked commerce.
In preparation for the 2027 Kumbh Mela, the development strategy includes safety and energy infrastructure. A dedicated police outpost will be established in the temple zone to manage large crowds and ensure security. Additionally, a new substation is planned to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply to the temple premises and the surrounding tourism infrastructure, addressing long-standing issues of power outages in the region.
The execution of this large-scale plan will follow a time-bound roadmap, ensuring that core projects are completed well ahead of major religious events. Stakeholders have also been instructed to adopt an integrated development approach that includes community participation and sustainable tourism practices. The transformation of Bhimashankar is expected to boost spiritual tourism and generate significant economic opportunities in Pune’s rural belt.
The ₹288.17-crore development plan for Bhimashankar is not just a facelift—it represents a structured push to make the pilgrim town more visitor-friendly, ecologically balanced, and spiritually engaging. With forest trails, ropeways, new roads, and safety upgrades, the initiative aims to meet rising tourism demand while preserving heritage. Its timely execution could establish Bhimashankar as a model for sustainable religious tourism.
