LocalNews

Mahakal Darshan Update: 19-Hour Queues Continue in January The New Year rush at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga shows no signs of slowing down even as we move further into January 2026. Temple officials report that the “Garbh Griha” (Sanctum Sanctorum) entry remains restricted for general visitors during peak hours to manage the unprecedented crowd. Devotees are currently waiting in queues for 12 to 19 hours on weekends to get a glimpse of the deity. To manage the flow, the administration has deployed additional police forces at the “Mahakal Lok” corridor. A new token system is being trialed to prevent stampede-like situations. Pilgrims planning a visit are advised to check the live crowd status on the official temple app or website before joining the queue. The authorities have also set up temporary holding areas with water and medical facilities.

Cold Wave Alert: Ujjain Wakes Up to Dense Fog Winter has tightened its grip on the Malwa region, with Ujjain waking up to dense fog and plummeting temperatures this week. Visibility dropped below 50 meters in the early hours, affecting road traffic on the Ujjain-Indore and Ujjain-Dewas highways. The meteorological department has issued a “Yellow Alert” for cold wave conditions for the next 48 hours, with minimum temperatures expected to hover around 8°C to 10°C. Despite the chill, devotees continue to throng the Ram Ghat for the holy dip. The Mahakaleshwar Temple administration has arranged for bonfires and heaters in the queuing areas to provide relief to pilgrims waiting for the early morning Bhasma Aarti. Residents are advised to drive with caution during morning hours due to low visibility.

Major Drug Bust: STF Seizes ₹41 Lakh Smack in Ujjain The Special Task Force (STF) in Ujjain has achieved a significant breakthrough in its war against drugs. acting on a specific tip-off, the STF team intercepted a vehicle near the Agar Road toll plaza and arrested three individuals suspected of drug trafficking. During the search, officers recovered 410 grams of smack (heroin), estimated to be worth approximately ₹41 lakhs in the international market. The accused, hailing from neighboring districts, were allegedly trying to supply the contraband to local peddlers in Ujjain city. The police have registered a case under the NDPS Act and are interrogating the suspects to uncover the larger supply chain. This arrest comes amidst a city-wide crackdown on narcotics to keep the youth and pilgrimage areas drug-free.

Simhastha Prep: ‘Namo Bharat’ Rapid Rail to Connect Indore & Ujjain To manage the massive influx of pilgrims expected for Simhastha 2028, Indian Railways has announced a major connectivity upgrade. A new Namo Bharat Rapid Rail (Vande Metro) service will soon be operational between Indore and Ujjain. Unlike the standard metro which requires new tracks, this rapid rail will run on existing railway lines at speeds of up to 130 km/h, significantly cutting travel time between the two commercial and spiritual capitals of Madhya Pradesh. The trial runs are expected to commence later this year. The train will feature automatic sliding doors, AC coaches, and metro-like seating arrangements. This project is part of the ₹20,000 crore development package aimed at upgrading Ujjain’s infrastructure before the Kumbh Mela. Commuters can expect a travel time of just 45 minutes once fully operational.

‘Crorepati’ Beggar Found in Ujjain: Owns 3 Houses and Rental Property In a bizarre and shocking turn of events, the Ujjain administration has uncovered a “crorepati” beggar operating within the holy city. The individual, identified as Mangilal, was rescued during a routine drive by the Women and Child Development Department and shifted to the Sewadham Ashram for rehabilitation. Upon investigation, officials were stunned to discover that Mangilal is far from destitute. He reportedly owns a three-story house, a separate flat, and agricultural land in his native village. Furthermore, he owns three auto-rickshaws that he rents out for daily income. The discovery has sparked a debate on the organized begging rackets often suspected in religious tourism hubs like Ujjain. The administration is now seeking legal opinion on how to handle his assets while he remains under care at the Ashram. Officials have urged devotees to donate to authorized charities rather than giving alms on the street.