Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Unveils Ambitious Plans for Historical Museums and Memorials in Maharashtra

Pune, 28th February 2024: Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar revealed plans for the establishment of a museum dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The museum, set to be located in Vadaj in Junnar taluka, will showcase a village model from Shivaji’s era, replicas of forts, and an amphitheatre. Pawar made this announcement during the interim budget speech for 2024-25 on Tuesday.

Highlighting the recent grand celebration of Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav 2024 in Junnar, Pawar expressed the government’s commitment to setting up the Shivneri Museum, providing insights into the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The government is actively working on a comprehensive plan for the development and restoration of Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, situated in Junnar. This fort attracts significant footfall throughout the year.

In a bid to honor freedom fighter Shivram Hari Rajguru, the finance minister allocated Rs 102.48 crore for the development of Rajguru’s birthplace in Rajgurunagar, Khed taluka. Additionally, Rs 66.1 crore was designated for a memorial dedicated to Sant Jagnade Maharaj in Sudumbare, Maval, Pune district.

The interim budget includes an allocation of over Rs 81 crore for the development of Saptashrungi Gad, a renowned Hindu pilgrimage destination in Kalwan taluka, Nashik district. The budget also outlines plans to enhance facilities at the Trim bakeshwar temple.

Infrastructure Boost: Pune-Lonavla Railway Line Expansion

Addressing long-pending proposals, the state government commits to sharing 50% of the project cost for railway lines in the state, including the much-awaited Pune-Lonavla line 3 and 4. This move is expected to expedite the approval and timely execution of the new tracks.

Commemorative Monuments to Honor Heroes

Plans were unveiled for a memorial dedicated to Jivaji Mahale, an expert in using dand patta, at the base of Satara’s Pratapgad fort. The state also announced a Rs 270 crore budget for a Chhatrapati Sambhaji monument in Shirur. A memorial to honor Sane Guruji’s work will be erected at his birthplace in Jalgaon, with an additional Rs 20 crore allocated to mark the birth tricentenary of Ahilya Devi Holkar.