Page 24 - NIS - English, 01-15 January 2023

Cover Story Development and Legacy

4-LANE CONNECTIVITY TO PANDHARPUR: PALKHI MARG

MAHARASHTRA'S VITTHAL- MAKING JOURNEY EASY

RUKMINI TEMPLE

n On November 8, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra
Modi dedicated to the nation over 223
kilometres of fully constructed and upgraded
road projects on various national highways with
the goal of improving traffic to Pandharpur.
n These include the Mhaswad-Piliv-Pandharpur
n Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways section of NH 561A, Kurduvadi-Pandharpur
Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the Savner-Dhapewada- section of NH 561A, Pandharpur-Sangola
Gondkheri section of the 28.88 km long National section of NH 561A, and the Pandharpur-
Highway 547-E at Nagpur on July 24, 2022, at a Mangalvedha-Umadi section of NH 561A.
cost of Rs 720 crore. n PM Modi also laid the foundation for the
n The four-laning of this section will improve four-laning of five sections of the Shri Sant
connectivity for pilgrims travelling between the Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Marg and three
Vitthal-Rukmini temple in Dhapewada and the sections of the Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj
famous Ganesh temple in Adasa. Palkhi Marg to assist pilgrims in reaching
n The new four-lane bridge over the Chandrabhaga Pandharpur.
river will help ease traffic congestion in n It has been decided to build dedicated
Dhapewada. Agriculture and local products will footpaths for "Palkhis" on both sides of these
have easy access to large markets in the region. national highways, providing devotees with a
hassle-free and safe passage.
GUJARAT'S PAVAGADH: NOW HAS UPBEAT FACILITIES

n Pavagadh has spirituality, history, n On June 18, 2022, Prime Minister
nature, art, and culture. On one Narendra Modi will inaugurate
side, there is Maa Mahakali's the renovated Shri Kalika Mata
Shaktipeeth, and on the other, temple on Pavagadh hill. It is one
there is the Jain temple's heritage. of the oldest temples in the region
Because of the historical diversity and attracts a large number of
of India, Pavagadh has served visitors. The temple was rebuilt in
as a hub for religious equality. two phases.
Previously, the journey to n The Prime Minister launched it
Pavagadh was so difficult that it in two stages between April and
was said that everyone should see June 2022. This includes the
Mata at least once in their lives. expansion of the temple's base
Today, the expanding facilities as well as facilities such as the
here have made even the most "complex" on three levels, street
difficult jouneys and darshan of lights, and a CCTV system.
God possible.

22 New India Samachar January 1-15, 2023