The Madhya Pradesh government has begun reaching out to corporate firms to secure funding support under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives for the upcoming Simhastha 2028 in Ujjain. The state has estimated that more than ₹200 crore will be required to develop and manage essential public facilities for the massive religious gathering.

Officials said that several industrial groups have already shown initial interest in contributing to the effort, with more companies expected to join in the coming months. The government is positioning the event as an opportunity for industries to participate in a large-scale public initiative while also gaining visibility through branding and association.

The proposed CSR-backed projects cover a wide range of services aimed at ensuring convenience, hygiene, and safety for millions of pilgrims. Among the key plans is the installation of around 500 water ATMs, which are expected to cost about ₹10 crore. These facilities are intended to provide safe drinking water across the event area.

Sanitation is another major focus area. The government has proposed deploying nearly 1.5 lakh mobile toilets and urinals, with an estimated cost of ₹50 crore. In addition, around 2,000 changing rooms for women will be constructed at various ghats, requiring an investment of approximately ₹6 crore. These measures are aimed at maintaining hygiene standards and ensuring better facilities, particularly for female pilgrims.

Crowd management infrastructure is expected to take up a significant portion of the budget. Barricading arrangements alone are projected to cost about ₹100 crore, reflecting the scale of preparations needed to handle the massive influx of visitors. Directional signage, another crucial element for managing movement and providing information, is estimated to require ₹20 crore.

In addition to these, the government is also planning to introduce modern amenities such as hybrid solar lighting systems and extensive charging infrastructure. This includes around 3,000 mobile charging stations and 500 electric vehicle charging points, with a combined estimated cost of ₹47.5 crore. These initiatives are designed to enhance sustainability and improve overall visitor experience.

Other planned interventions include waste management systems, volunteer support kits, temporary healthcare facilities, and river-cleaning measures. Together, these efforts aim to ensure that the event runs smoothly while minimizing environmental impact.

Authorities expect Simhastha 2028 to draw an enormous crowd, potentially around 30 crore devotees, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. This scale presents a major logistical challenge, prompting the government to explore partnerships beyond public funding.

Officials believe that involving the private sector through CSR contributions will not only ease the financial burden on the state but also bring in efficiency and innovation in executing various projects. The initiative is being promoted as a collaborative effort between the government and industry to deliver a well-organized and globally significant event.

Overall, the plan reflects a strategic approach to managing a mega event by combining public planning with corporate participation, ensuring that infrastructure and services are in place to handle the unprecedented number of visitors expected in 2028.