Tryst with divinity: Rs 706-cr plan linking places of worship

Rajasthan government has embarked on Rs 706 crore plan for road connectivity to places of worship in 28 districts. Chief minister Vasundhara Raje who frequently visits places of worship and has visited almost every major temple in the state has found that either there was no road connectivity or they were in pathetic condition.

According to sources, the CM has instructed PWD minister Yunus Khan to identify religious places and provide a comfortable road to reach them. Subsequently, Khan ordered a survey and submitted its report to the CM who has now approved a huge scheme for 77 roads and 6 flyovers in 28 districts with an estimated expenditure of Rs 706 crore.

The work has already commenced and efforts are being made to complete them by September next year. In Bharatpur district Rs 238 crore have been sanctioned for 140km roads including Brij Chrosi Parikrama marg and toilet construction.

Although, political observers might link it with vote bank politics, it is a fact that previous governments never gave priority to road connectivity to religious places. If Raje has thought of it and implementing it will help her reap benefits from it.