The Madhya Pradesh government is planning to introduce controlled water sports and river tourism activities on the Kshipra River in Ujjain, aiming to transform the spiritual landscape of Simhastha 2028 into a broader year-round tourism experience. This initiative seeks to blend faith with leisure, offering pilgrims and tourists new recreational opportunities.
Proposed Activities and Facilities
Under the proposed plan, areas near Triveni Ghat may feature paddle boating, family boat rides, pedal boats, and other light water-based attractions. Authorities are also exploring cruise-based evening aarti experiences on the Kshipra, along with curated pilgrimage circuits connecting major temples and ghats across Ujjain. The project further proposes Hop-On Hop-Off transport services, integrated electric mobility systems, and premium tourism facilities to make travel within the city part of the pilgrimage experience.
Integrated Inland Water Transport System
Ujjain collector Roshan Singh stated, "We are working on developing an integrated inland water transport system that can improve connectivity for pilgrims and tourists while creating a unique spiritual and tourism experience around the Kshipra river. The focus is on providing seamless and environmentally sustainable mobility while strengthening Ujjain’s tourism potential."
The initiative is part of a larger river mobility project intended to move beyond seasonal pilgrimage activity and create permanent attractions around one of India's biggest religious gatherings. The proposed Inland Water Transport (IWT) system on the Kshipra River is being planned under a public-private partnership model across a nearly 15-kilometer river stretch connecting major temples, ghats, and tourist destinations.
Corridors and Vessels
According to officials, the network will operate across two major corridors: from Triveni Ghat near Shani and Navagraha Mandir to Gau Ghat over approximately 5.5 kilometers, and from Durgadas Ki Chhatri to Mangalnath across nearly 6.5 kilometers. Modern low-draft electric and hybrid boats with seating capacities of 20 to 40 passengers are proposed to ensure environmentally sustainable transport. Plans also include floating jetties, modular boarding points, digital ticketing systems, prepaid transport facilities, and electric shuttle connectivity for last-mile travel.
Next Steps
Sources said Ujjain Smart City Limited has invited expressions of interest from boating and cruise operators from cities such as Varanasi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Mumbai, Goa, and Pune. The agency is currently preparing the detailed project report and finalizing the PPP framework with technical experts. Based on feasibility studies, the tender process for the project is expected to begin within the next two months.
