Simhastha 2028: Holding areas to be set up in neighbouring districts

Times News NetworkIndore: The state govt has expanded Simhastha 2028 preparations beyond Ujjain, directing neighbouring districts to identify land for holding areas, satellite parking sites and basic amenities to manage the expected high influx of pilgrims and vehicles.Reviewing Simhastha works in Ujjain on Saturday, additional chief secretary Rajesh Rajora asked collectors to prepare detailed plans for parking, drinking water, toilets and other facilities at key locations. He also sought details of satellite parking sites used during Simhastha 2016 and their effectiveness in managing traffic.“A large number of vehicles coming for Simhastha will pass through neighbouring districts before reaching Ujjain. Districts must identify land for holding areas and parking facilities in advance and prepare plans for basic amenities. These arrangements will play a critical role in crowd and traffic management,” Rajora said.Indore collector informed the meeting that Gulawat-Thirakhedi, Hatunia and the Sahana Road stretch along NH-52 have been proposed as holding areas. Dhar district was asked to identify suitable sites in Badnawar-Petlawad belt, while officials were directed to expedite work on alternative Indore-Ujjain road.Ujjain collector Roshan Kumar Singh said that around 11,500 home guard personnel were proposed to be deployed during Simhastha. The public works department plans to install barricading across 196.73 km and develop temporary roads in the fair area.The civic body’s sanitation plan includes 1.19 lakh temporary toilets, 23,200 bathing units and 31,900 urinals. Officials also reviewed plans to install 12,200 LED lights, 9,000 floodlights and 48,100 series lights. Signages worth Rs 25.04 crore are also proposed to improve navigation and crowd management during the event.