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The Uttar Pradesh government is continuing its efforts to strengthen religious tourism and improve infrastructure across the state. As part of this initiative, Agra's historic Balkeshwar Park is set to be redeveloped as the grand 'Shiv Lok Theme Park', inspired by the renowned Mahakal Lok corridor in Ujjain.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath laid the foundation stone for the ₹8.81 crore project on July 25, 2026. Since then, work has gathered pace, with the Agra Municipal Corporation preparing a comprehensive development plan for the project using funds allocated under the 15th Finance Commission.

Located near the ancient Balkeshwar Mahadev Temple on the banks of the Yamuna River, the park is expected to combine spirituality, culture and modern design. The project aims to create a unique destination centred around the 19 incarnations of Lord Shiva.

A towering statue of Lord Shiva will serve as the main attraction at the heart of the 16,000-square-metre park. Visitors will also be able to explore artistic depictions of Lord Shiva's divine acts described in the Shiva Purana.

The entrance to the park will feature an impressive Nandi Dwar, while a special sound-and-light show based on Shiva Stuti, along with colourful fountains, will enhance the spiritual atmosphere of the site.

Officials said every aspect of the park has been carefully designed to offer devotees and tourists a memorable experience that combines devotion, recreation and natural beauty. Once completed, the facility will provide a serene environment for pilgrims visiting the Balkeshwar Temple for prayers and circumambulation.

Authorities believe the project will further strengthen Agra's position as a major tourist destination by giving visitors another attraction alongside the iconic Taj Mahal.

The initiative is also expected to play a significant role in promoting the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Braj region.

Arvind Kumar Srivastava, Executive Engineer of the Agra Municipal Corporation, said the project would transform the existing park into a modern spiritual centre.

"The Shiv Lok Theme Park is being developed using funds from the 15th Finance Commission. With a budget of ₹8.81 crore, the old Balkeshwar Park will be completely transformed. Our objective is to develop it into an ultra-modern, beautiful and peaceful spiritual centre," he said.

Local councillor Murari Lal Agrawal described the project as an important milestone for the region.

"Inspired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Balkeshwar area has received this major gift. The construction of the Shiv Lok Theme Park will not only provide a sacred place of rest for devotees and parikrama pilgrims visiting the Balkeshwar Temple but will also significantly boost tourism across the entire Braj region. It is a major gift for the residents of Balkeshwar and Shiva devotees across Agra. This theme park will give our religious faith a new and grand identity," he said.

The government hopes the new attraction will establish Agra as an even more prominent destination for spiritual and cultural tourism.