Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced plans to establish a spiritual city in Ujjain, a move aimed at enhancing the state's spiritual tourism sector ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2028. The announcement was made during the Madhya Pradesh Global Investors Summit (MP GIS) 2025, where Yadav highlighted the state's potential in spiritual and wildlife tourism.
The proposed spiritual city will span approximately 3,300 hectares in Ujjain, one of India's most revered pilgrimage sites. "The plan to develop this spiritual city has been approved and will be a significant step in our preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh," Yadav stated. The Kumbh Mela, which takes place every 12 years on the banks of the Shipra River, attracts millions of devotees and ascetics from across the country.
The initiative will provide dedicated space for spiritual leaders, including sadhus, saints, mahants, mahamandleshwars, and Shankaracharyas, to establish their ashrams. Additionally, the city will feature essential infrastructure such as schools, colleges, hospitals, dharamshalas (pilgrim lodges), and other facilities to cater to devotees and residents. Private companies will also be invited to participate in the city's development, promoting a collaborative approach to its growth.
Yadav emphasised that the state government is actively fostering an investor-friendly environment to attract private investment in various sectors, including tourism. "Since forming our government, we have prioritised the tourism sector by implementing policy reforms, expanding infrastructure, and focusing on sustainable development," he said.
To boost tourism, the government has introduced an aviation policy aimed at improving connectivity. Under this initiative, airlines operating flights to and from the state will receive an incentive of INR 7.5 lakh per flight. Additionally, the state has launched an air ambulance service to promote medical tourism.
Highlighting Madhya Pradesh's prominence in wildlife tourism, Yadav underscored its distinction as home to the highest number of tigers and leopards in India. He noted the successful reintroduction of cheetahs as a landmark conservation effort. The state's rich biodiversity and well-maintained reserves, including prominent tiger sanctuaries, continue attracting wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists worldwide.
(With inputs from PTI)
