File photo of Saundatti Yallamma temple in Belagavi.
The state government has unveiled plans to develop the Saundatti Yallamma temple, the temple with the highest footfall in the state with around three million people a year, into a tourist attraction with modern facilities.
A comprehensive plan of around ₹ 200 crore has been drawn up for this purpose. Of this, the State Government is contributing a grant amount of ₹ 90 crore, while the Union Government is providing a long-term, interest-free loan of ₹ 100 crore.
In the first phase, the Public Works Department floated tenders for various works worth ₹140 crore. Officials of Saundatti Yallamma Development Authority and Belagavi District Administration along with PWD officers will supervise the work.
Proposed works include administrative building with lower floor, ground floor, upper floor and terrace floors, front complex with stilts, ground floor, upper floor and terrace floors to streamline darshan, Annadasaho (free food) building with stilted, ground, first and terrace floors, hawker area and renovation of existing commercial complex, multi-purpose halls (2 numbers) for religious and public spaces for religious and public activities, waiting rooms, separate toilets and women pilgrim information centers (3 numbers), first aid center and cafeteria, walls, paths, parking and extensive landscaping.
The work also includes smart infrastructure including large smart screens in car parks and directional signage, sustainable utilities such as solar water heaters and several packaged STPs (10 and 75 KLD), and comprehensive MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) work for large buildings.
The project includes development under Gaurav Ghataka and Pradikara components, including toilets, roads, drainage, landscaping and water supply systems. Once implemented, this integrated infrastructure upgrade is expected to greatly enhance the pilgrimage experience at one of North Karnataka’s most revered religious sites while ensuring proper crowd management, sanitation and environmentally responsible operations.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan said other preparations such as clearing encroachments on temple premises, widening roads leading to Saundatti and setting aside space for various activities and constructions have been completed. Work is expected to start within a month.
Published – 03 Jan 2026 20:44 IST
