Saundatti Yallamma temple to be developed at a cost of ₹200 crore

The State government has unveiled plans to develop the Saundatti Yallamma temple, the temple with the highest footfall in the state with around three crore people per year, into a tourist attraction with modern facilities.

A comprehensive plan of around ₹200 crore has been drawn up for the 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 Department of Public Works has invited tenders for various works at a cost of ₹140 crore. Officials of the Saundatti Yallamma development authority and the Belagavi district administration will oversee the works along with PWD officers.

The proposed works include administrative building with lower ground, ground, upper ground, and terrace floors, queue complex with stilt, ground, upper ground, and terrace floors to streamline darshan, Annadasoha (Free meal) building with stilt, ground, first, and terrace floors, hawker zone and renovation of the existing commercial complex, multipurpose halls (2 numbers) for religious and public activities, public toilet and bathroom blocks (separate facilities for men and women, multiple units), waiting areas, pilgrimage information centres (3 numbers), first aid centre, and cafeteria, compound walls, pathways, parking areas, and extensive landscaping.

The works also include smart infrastructure, including large smart display screens in parking areas and directional signage, sustainable utilities, such as solar water heaters and multiple packaged STPs (10 and 75 KLD), and comprehensive MEP works (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) for major buildings.

The project includes development under the Gaurav Ghataka and Pradikara components, covering toilets, pathways, sanitation, 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 destinations, while ensuring orderly crowd management, hygiene, and environmentally responsible operations.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan said that the other preparations, like clearing encroachments on the temple premises, widening of roads leading to Saundatti, and earmarking space for the various activities and structures, were completed. Work is expected to start within a month.