Divine and magnificent Ram Raja Lok coming up in Orchha: CM

 

 

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav said that Lord Shri Ram became ‘Maryada Purushottam’ because of his virtues and divine conduct. Dr Yadav stated that people of Orchha are fortunate, as Lord Shri Ram himself chose Orchha for his Darbar. Residents of Orchha are blessed with the daily darshan of Lord Ram Raja. Dr Yadav addressed bhoomipujan and inauguration ceremony of second phase of ‘Shri Ram Raja Lok’ and other development projects in Orchha, Niwari district. He performed bhoomipujan for second phase of ‘Shri Ram Raja Lok’ with Vedic rituals. Prior to the event, CM Dr Yadav visited the main temple and offered prayers at Shri Ram Raja Darbar. He also reviewed ongoing construction works of first phase on-site.

 

The Chief Minister said that alongside Orchha, development works worth approximately Rs 2,200 crore are also underway in Chitrakoot. He announced that Shri Ram Van Gaman Path and sites related to Lord Krishna’s divine pastimes will be developed as pilgrimage destinations, with funds already sanctioned for these projects. During the event, Dr Yadav presented a Letter of Award to an NGO following an agreement with the Madhya Pradesh Electronics Development Corporation. NIWARI TO GET NAGAR PALIKA PARISHAD STATUS: CM Dr Yadav announced that Niwari city would soon be considered for Nagar Palika Parishad status. He further stated that Orchha would be linked to religious tourism facilities, as well as air ambulance and helicopter services, with an airstrip to be constructed for this purpose. He announced a new hospital by upgrading Neendua Primary Health Centre and shared that roads would be built to meet local needs.

 

DEVELOPMENT WORKS WORTH RS 332 CRORE: Highlighting the ancient bond between Ayodhya and Orchha, CM Dr Yadav recounted that Queen Ganesh Kuwari, consort of Bundela ruler Madhukar Shah and a devout follower of Lord Shri Ram, brought him from Ayodhya to Orchha in the 16th century. He noted that nowhere else is Lord Shri Ram worshipped in distinctive manner observed in Orchha, where it is believed Lord Ram spends his day in Orchha and returns to Ayodhya only to rest at night. The Chief Minister inaugurated and performed bhoomipujan for more than 21 projects worth over Rs 332.85 crore across Niwari district, including a new Sandipani School and a new Government college. Thanks to blessings of Lord Shri Ram, a magnificent Shri Ram Raja Lok is being constructed in Orchha. Projects worth Rs 130 crore under the first phase were dedicated and launched, while the bhoomipujan was performed for second-phase works valued at around Rs 125 crore. Additionally, historic monuments in the area will be preserved and archaeological complexes will be developed.

 

INFRASTRUCTURE FOR DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN TOURISTS: CM Dr Yadav inaugurated 103 new shops and plazas constructed at a cost of Rs 5.5 crore under the first phase of Shri Ram Raja Lok, further enhancing amenities for tourists visiting Orchha. He said that seven development projects, spanning both phases of Shri Ram Raja Lok and other initiatives, are underway in Orchha at a total cost of over Rs 239 crore. Dr Yadav shared that Niwari is second district in the State where every house receives piped water and where an integrated steel plant will be established. Niwari will also gain significant benefits from Ken-Betwa project, boosting development in the region. The establishment of Shri Ram Raja Lok would support a religious and tourism-based economy, creating new employment opportunities. Notably, homestays run by women in Ladpura Khas and Radhapura villages have ranked first and second in the State, with a dozen new homestays to be introduced in Chandpura and Jamuniya Khas this year. Niwari is also progressing industrially, with establishment of an integrated steel plant on approximately 300 hectares in Prithvipur by Pacific Industry Metal Limited, representing an investment of Rs 3,200 crore and promising jobs for local youth. ORCHHA’S GROWING NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION: CM Dr Yadav said that Orchha is set to become an internationally renowned tourist destination. The Union Ministry of Tourism is supporting infrastructure projects under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, including a Tourist Experience Center, Hunarshala, entry plaza, and travel pathways.

 

Orchha has been selected under UNESCO’s Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) initiative and the Government of India has recommended its recognition as a World Heritage Site by 2027-28. He highlighted that 18 spiritual, cultural and religious ‘Loks’ are being created across the State and total prohibition has been implemented in Orchha and other religious towns to preserve their sanctity. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Orchha Railway Station has been inaugurated at a cost of over Rs 6 crore. Deendayal Rasoi Yojana, offering wholesome meals for Rs 5, has been expanded in six pilgrimage cities, including Orchha. Looking ahead to Simhastha 2028, CM Dr Yadav expressed hope that pilgrims visiting Mahakaleshwar would also be drawn to Orchha’s grandeur. He affirmed that infrastructure, beautification, and tourism services would be strengthened so that Orchha may become a central location for both religious and spiritual tourism. OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS: MLA Anil Jain said that Chief Minister Dr. Yadav has transformed Orchha, with more than Rs 257 crore in development works inaugurated or launched, and Niwari district receiving a new road costing Rs 112 crore and a new Sandipani School in Asati village worth Rs 35 crore. He highlighted women’s empowerment, farmer prosperity, and industrial growth in the region, all guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. Chief Minister Dr Yadav encouraged including public representatives, Government officials and citizens, by visiting exhibitions of development projects and women’s livelihood products. Social Justice and Empowerment and Horticulture Minister Narayan Singh Kushwaha, former MLA Dr Shishupal Yadav, Niranjana Jain, District President Rajesh Pateria and many citizens and devotees were present.