The Uttar Pradesh government plans to develop Sambhal district as a religious tourism hub, rooted in the Hindu belief that it is the future birthplace of Kalki, Vishnu's last avatar. The 52-km Vanshgopal 24 Kosi Parikrama route will be redeveloped at a cost of Rs 300 crore. The project includes restoring 87 teerth sthals and enhancing infrastructure.
The Uttar Pradesh government is set to position Sambhal district alongside Ayodhya and Varanasi on its religious tourism map. Sources indicate the 52-km Vanshgopal 24 Kosi Parikrama Yatra route will be redeveloped for Rs 300 crore, featuring a 7-metre-wide road and a separate 3-metre raised footpath for pedestrians.
Sambhal District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya told The Indian Express, “The parikrama is being revived after almost 50 years, halted post-1972. Encroached sections of the route were cleared in about 4-5 months. It will now be developed and widened, including a 3-metre raised footpath for those walking the parikrama.” He noted most of Sambhal’s 87 teerth sthals, such as Kalki, Bhuvaneshwari, Chandreshwar, and Naimisaranya, lie along the route.
A vision document in final stages outlines three phases. Phase 1 focuses on spiritual revival via route restoration, temples, ghats, and kunds. Phase 2 covers infrastructure like roads, sanitation, parking, and pilgrim facilities. Phase 3 includes restoring 84-87 sites and building a Kalki Museum.
Breakdown includes Rs 155 crore for civil works, Rs 130 crore for acquiring 58 hectares of land, Rs 13.5 crore for utility and forest works, and Rs 36 crore for amenities. The route currently has 31.5 km unpaved and 20.5 km paved stretches, attracting 6-7 lakh devotees annually.
Amrit Abhijat, Additional Chief Secretary for Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, stated, “With 6-7 lakh devotees on the 24 Kosi Parikrama, Sambhal will sustain year-round tourism. We will restore 68 teerth sthals, 19 mahakups, and 5 major teerths, plus heritage streets and facilities.” The initiative links Sambhal to Mathura-Vrindavan circuits for economic boost.