Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann unveil a ₹75 crore plan to renovate Punjab’s historic Sri Kali Mata Temple, preserving its heritage and spirituality.

AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced plans to renovate the historic Sri Kali Mata Temple, which will cost Rs 75 crore.

Speaking to the crowd, the AAP National Convener stated that the state government has the right to start these extremely significant public initiatives. He lamented the fact that none of the state governments that had come before them had ever bothered to begin these enormously important projects. Fortunately, Mata Rani has given the state government this chance, and the work will be collected within a year, according to Arvind Kejriwal.

Sri Kali Mata Mandir is one of the oldest and most renowned temples in northern India, according to the AAP’s National Convener. This temple is a testament to Punjab’s rich spiritual legacy and royal support, he said. “The temple complex includes an ancient temple of Shri Raj Rajeshwari Ji, another divine form of Shakti, in addition to the main shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali,” Arvind Kejriwal added.

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According to the AAP National Convener, the complex’s two centers of devotion combine aspects of contemporary infrastructure with centuries-old customs, giving it both spiritual significance and architectural uniqueness. Almost 10,000 devotees visit the temple every day, 40,000 on Saturdays, and nearly one lakh during the Navratri festival, he claimed, demonstrating its significance. The state government has begun a number of projects totaling Rs 73.52 crore to renovate the Shri Kali Mata Temple, according to Arvind Kejriwal.

According to the AAP’s national convener, work is currently being done to guarantee that the temple pond will receive clean water from the Bhakra Canal, and a project budget of Rs 1.15 crore has been granted. At an estimated cost of Rs 49.06 lakh, he added, the temple’s current sewage system and rainwater drainage network are being renovated and replaced. Arvind Kejriwal stated that the Aam Aadmi Clinic, which will be established within the temple complex at a cost of Rs 25 lakh, will offer medical care to both locals and pilgrims who are visiting.

In the meantime, the chief minister said that a light and sound show, styled after those at important pilgrimage sites, would be arranged near the pond to enhance the temple’s spiritual and aesthetic appeal. He claimed that tenders had been issued for the project, which will cost ₹6.78 crore. According to Bhagwant Singh Mann, the newly built building is getting a lift fitted at a cost of Rs 15.11 lakh.

According to the chief minister, a new corridor is being built close to the pond to make it more convenient for devotees. According to him, the new building, corridor, boundary wall, entry gate, and pond projects for the temple have all been initiated. In keeping with Sikh and Hindu customs, Bhagwant Singh Mann Daily Langar Seva (community meal) would be initiated, particularly for devotees from remote or less affluent families.

According to the chief minister, the temple pond will be completely renovated, which will include pathway construction, stonework around the sides, waterproofing, and desilting.

Government’s Commitment to Cultural Legacy

“This project will help preserve the temple’s sanctity and enhance its grandeur while maintaining its heritage architecture,” he said. The rear gate, which is frequently utilized during periods of high traffic, has been proposed to be reopened and renovated, according to Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister further said that all temple entrances would be refurbished to blend in with traditional architecture. A systematic queue management system with barred lanes and signboards will be implemented, he said, to ensure the orderly and respectful movement of devotees on weekends and Navratri, when big crowds congregate. A comprehensive master plan that addresses future construction, heritage conservation, pilgrimage facilities, sanitation, parking, and traffic management is being drafted in conjunction with urban planning and heritage specialists, according to Bhagwant Singh Mann.

According to the chief minister, a token system such to that at Mata Vaishno Devi Temple would be used in order to avoid crowding and guarantee the efficient distribution of Prasad. This would guarantee a well-organized, equitable, and respectable distribution of offerings, he said, adding that the Sangat Hall will be converted into a fully air-conditioned space for the comfort of senior devotees, women with children, and those with disabilities, particularly in the face of fluctuating weather. According to Bhagwant Singh Maan, it is the responsibility of the government to protect the state’s cultural legacy so that future generations can continue to feel a connection to their illustrious history.

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According to the chief minister, a hall has been built on the temple grounds to house pilgrims who are arriving, and 300 parking spaces have been made available. According to him, the state government is totally dedicated to making this place of worship a Punjabi architectural wonder. The state government will stop at nothing to accomplish this admirable goal, Bhagwant Singh Mann added.

This time, AAP Senior Leader Manish Sisodia, Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, Member Rajya Sabha Rajinder Gupta, and others were in attendance.