The district administration of Indore has initiated the first phase of a comprehensive master plan worth Rs 30 crore aimed at redeveloping the historic Khajrana Ganesh Temple. This ambitious project focuses on structural modifications to upgrade infrastructure for the thousands of devotees who visit the temple daily.
First Phase Cost and Funding
The initial phase, estimated to cost between Rs 8 and Rs 10 crore, is being funded entirely through donor contributions. A key development in this phase is the widening of the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) entrance gate. Prior to this modification, approximately 150 kg of silver plating was removed from the door and securely placed in the government treasury.
Technical Assessment and Night Construction
Shri Govindram Seksaria Institute of Technology and Science (SGSITS) conducted a structural audit and provided a technical roadmap detailing the safety support and jacketing sequencing required before removing structural parts. “To avoid disrupting regular visitor flow, all heavy construction work will be executed exclusively at night,” said IMC Commissioner Kshitij Singhal.
Key Structural Changes
Another critical intervention involves lowering the assembly hall (sabha mandap) floor by 2 to 2.5 feet. This adjustment aims to resolve line-of-sight obstructions, ensuring that devotees standing further back in queues have an unhindered view of the deity. The immediate master plan also incorporates a new two-storey darshan corridor with organized railing systems, alongside a step-viewing arrangement directly facing the main shrine. Furthermore, several of the 33 smaller shrines within the temple complex that have developed structural tilts will be systematically realigned into a uniform row.
Subsequent Phases
“Subsequent phases of the project will focus on peripheral infrastructure. This includes expanding the parking zone, constructing a transit rotary for smooth traffic flow, creating a separate area for new vehicle blessings (puja), setting up a children’s play area, and developing public utility centres and green belts,” said temple priest Ashok Bhatt.
Infrastructure Upgrade Summary
First Phase Cost: Rs 8–10 crore
Tasks Include:
- Widening of garbhagriha entrance
- Lowering of sabha mandap floor by 2 to 2.5 ft
- New 2-storey darshan corridor with railing systems
Subsequent Phases:
- Expanding parking zone
- Constructing transit rotary
- Children’s play area
- Public utility centres and green belts
