PATIALA – Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accompanied by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal, on Thursday launched projects worth ₹75 crore for a comprehensive facelift of the historic Kali Devi temple in Patiala.
The leaders also unveiled a 3D architectural model showcasing the proposed transformation under the state-funded projects. Kejriwal noted the temple attracts high footfall, with nearly 10,000 devotees daily, rising to 1 lakh during Navratri.
Key initiatives under the ₹73.52 crore modernization plan include:
- Light-and-Sound Show: A project worth ₹6.78 crore near the temple pond.
- Pond Renovation: Complete renovation, de-silting, waterproofing, and new stonework borders, including a ₹1.15 crore project to draw clean water from the Bhakra Canal.
- Infrastructure Upgrade: A sewage and rainwater drainage system upgrade costing ₹49.06 lakh.
- Medical Facilities: An Aam Aadmi Clinic will be set up at a cost of ₹25 lakh to provide medical aid to devotees.
The Chief Minister also announced a ₹15.11 lakh lift installation and construction of a new passageway and corridor to enhance crowd control during peak days and festivals. The temple facelift is widely seen as part of the ruling AAP’s strategy to consolidate support among Hindu voters in urban Punjab.