- Major Civic Overhaul Aims to Elevate Krishna’s City to Global Standards
- A vision of sacred beauty, modern infrastructure, and seamless pilgrimage experiences by 2030
2025.07.13 (Vrindavan Today News): The twin cities of Mathura-Vrindavan, revered as the land of Shri Krishna, is poised for a sweeping transformation that echoes the civic evolution of Odisha’s Jagannath Puri. In a landmark initiative, the local administration is set to revamp the religious, civic, and tourist infrastructure of the region, ensuring that Krishna’s city becomes as well-managed and welcoming as its eastern counterpart.
Municipal Commissioner Jag Pravesh, along with his core team, is currently on a detailed study tour of Puri, Odisha, one of India’s most efficiently managed religious tourism hubs. Their aim is to observe, evaluate, and adapt the successful urban and pilgrimage management models implemented there. The tour includes visits to multiple towns in Odisha to assess the functioning of their municipal corporations and the systems in place for managing massive daily footfalls of pilgrims.
Puri, home to the famed Jagannath Temple, receives millions of devotees annually. Recently, in response to this demand, the Odisha government upgraded Puri’s status to a municipal corporation, signaling a stronger governance framework for a heritage city. Inspired by this move, Mathura-Vrindavan aims to follow suit. The city’s own municipal structure will be reinforced, and foundational systems across sanitation, water management, mobility, and visitor services will undergo targeted development.
Toward a Cleaner, Greener Vrindavan
One of the central themes of the proposed reforms is enhanced sanitation. Lessons from Puri’s clean and well-organized pilgrimage circuits will be translated into a comprehensive cleanliness mission across Mathura-Vrindavan. From temple precincts to local neighborhoods, efforts will be made to ensure a hygienic environment for residents and pilgrims alike.
The vision doesn’t stop at aesthetics. This transformation is tied to deeper infrastructural goals. Urban design elements, including upgraded roads, proper drainage, pedestrian zones, and green cover, are set to take shape in the coming years.
“The government is committed to establishing Mathura-Vrindavan as one of India’s most iconic religious and tourist destinations by 2030,” said Jag Pravesh. “But that vision is incomplete without a beautiful, green, and developed city. That’s why the Odisha visit was essential—to bring home models that work.”
Addressing Chronic Urban Issues: Waterlogging in Focus
In addition to spiritual infrastructure, practical urban challenges are also being tackled head-on. A recent example is the chronic issue of waterlogging in the Ganeshra Colony area of Mathura. The Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA) has approved a ₹2 million project to construct drainage systems on both sides of the road, specifically from Mahendra’s residence to Angoori’s farmhouse.
According to MVDA Vice Chairman S.B. Singh, the proposal has already been sanctioned by the state government, and the tendering process is underway. Once implemented, the project is expected to eliminate flooding problems in the area—a step that underscores the administration’s intent to prioritize both heritage conservation and modern livability.
A Model for Spiritual Tourism and Civic Excellence
What sets this initiative apart is its dual-focus: preserving the sanctity of holy places while also embracing innovation in governance. The vision is not just about replicating Puri, but about setting a new standard for religious cities across the nation. With over a lakh pilgrims arriving in Mathura-Vrindavan daily, the urgency for well-coordinated services cannot be overstated.
Positive changes will also be made to enhance the overall tourism experience, catering not only to the faithful but also to international visitors. Local citizens will be benefitted from better roads and drainage to more responsive municipal services.
