In 2023, Udaipur witnessed a series of significant events across various sectors. While certain initiatives proved fruitful, contributing positively to the city's growth, others unfortunately resulted in losses for many. Grand weddings held in Udaipur garnered global attention, making a positive impact, and the robust travel connectivity led to a substantial influx of tourists throughout the year. Let's delve into key news highlights to gain a comprehensive insight into the events that shaped Udaipur in 2023. 

ADMINISTRATION

UIT is now UDA

On October 9, 2023, Udaipur got a major boost in terms of an orbit change. Following the government directives, Udaipur's Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) was officially reorganised as the Udaipur Development Authority (UDA). This change, confirmed by a Gazette notification, expands UDA's jurisdiction to include 136 rural blocks around the earlier Udaipur urban limits.

Original News (In Hindi)

Original News (In English)

Salumber District and Banswara Division 

Rajasthan's Former Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot, responded to public demands by announcing the addition of 19 new districts and 3 divisions in Rajasthan. Notable additions included Salumber in Udaipur and new districts like Anupgarh, Balotara, Beawar, Deeg, Dudu, Gangapur City, Jaipur North, Jaipur South, Jodhpur East, Jodhpur West, Kekri, Kotputli-Behror, Neem ka Thana, Phalodi, Sanchore, and Shahpura. Simultaneously, Banswara, Pali and Sikar weer accorded the status of Division, therey increasing administrative autonomy. 

Arvind Kumar Poswal: Collector

Arvind Kumar Poswal was appointed as the District Collector of Udaipur in July 2023. Gaurav Agarwal also took office as District Collector of Chittorgarh in the administrative reshuffle in 2023.

Travel: Vande Bharat Express for Udaipur 

Udaipur City–Jaipur Vande Bharat Express

(Click Here for Full News)

The 20979/20980 Udaipur City - Jaipur Vande Bharat Express is India's 26th Vande Bharat Express, connecting Udaipur to Jaipur in Rajasthan. Inaugurated on 24 September 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conference from New Delhi, it started its commercial run on 25 September 2023. 

Udaipur Ahmedabad Rail Connectivity Boost 

1. Indore-Udaipur-Indore Rail up to Ahmedabad: (Click Here for Full News) Railway service from Indore to Udaipur, reaching Asarwa (Ahmedabad), expanded. A special train from Udaipur to Asarwa began on March 4, 2023. Trains 19329 (Indore to Asarwa) and 19330 (Asarwa to Indore) now run daily since March 4, 2023.

2. Jaipur-Asarva-Jaipur Express Train: (Click Here for Full News) The Jaipur-Asarwa-Jaipur Express (Train No. 12981/12982) was inaugurated at Udaipur City Railway Station, offering passengers from Udaipur, Jaipur, Ajmer and Dungarpur an additional route to reach Ahmedabad.

3. Kota-Asarwa via Udaipur weekly Express: (Click Here For Full News) A new weekly express train, the Kota-Asarwa (Ahmedabad)-Kota, started running on March 3, 2023. This train stops at various stations, including Udaipur, Bundi, Mandalgarh, Parsoli, Bassi Berisal, Chanderiya, Kapasan, Fatehnagar, Mavli, Rana Pratap Nagar, Jawar, Jaisalmer Road, Dungarpur, Lusadiya, Rayagadh Road, Himmatnagar, Nandol Dahgam, and Sardargram along its route.

4. Asarwa-Dungarpur-Asarwa Demu Special train service to Chittorgarh: (Click Here For Full News) For passenger convenience, the Asarwa-Dungarpur-Asarwa Demo Special train service has been extended to Chittorgarh by the railway. This special train, now operating as a regular service since July 4, 2023, makes stops at various stations between Himmatnagar and Chittorgarh, including Vanatada, Rayagadh Road, Sunak, Shyamlaji Road, Luhadia, Jagabor, Bichiwara, Shri Bhavnath, Shalashah, Dungarpur, Kotana, Rikhabdev Road, Kundalgadh, Semari, Sur Khandakakheda, Jaysamand Road, Padla, Jawar, Kharwachanda, Umrada, Udaipur City, Rana Pratap Nagar, Mavli Jn, Fatehnagar, Bhupalsagar, Kapasan, Pandoli, Netavali, Ghosunda, and others.

Toy Train at Gulab Bagh (Maharana Pratap Express)

India's first CNG-powered Toy Train, christened "Maharana Pratap Express", was flagged off in Udaipur by Gulab Chand Kataria, the Governor of Assam and former Home Minister of Rajasthan, on June 25, 2023.  The train is a children ride in Gulab Bagh, the heart of Udaipur City, situated in Rajasthan's largest park built in 1887 by Maharana Fateh Singh. Gulab Bagh is also the fourth-oldest zoo park in the state. Click Here For Full News

Wedding Destination

Udaipur gained global recognition for its tourism, attracting numerous celebrities and tourists in 2023. The city hosted several major wedding events during the year, further enhancing its appeal as a sought-after destination for special occasions. 

Bollywood meets Politics: Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha

Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra and politician Raghav Chadha got married in an intimate ceremony at The Leela Palace in Udaipur, attended only by close family and friends.

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Cricketer Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic 

Team India Cricketer Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic, who got married on May 31, 2020, renewed their vows on February 14, 2023, in Udaipur, Rajasthan, surrounded by friends and family. Click Here For Full News

MLA Bhavya Bishnoi Tied Knot With IAS Pari Bishnoi 

Bhavya Bishnoi, the Adampur MLA and grandson of former Chief Minister Late Bhajan Lal, got married to IAS officer Pari Bishnoi at a palace in Udaipur. The wedding ceremony included only close family members and a select group of invited guests. Click Here Full News

Jay Kotak Tied Knot with Former Miss India Aditi Arya

Aditi Arya, former Miss India, tied the knot with Jay Kotak, the son of billionaire banker Uday Kotak, in a destination wedding in Udaipur. Click Here For Full News

Infrastructure in Udaipur

In 2023, significant improvements were made in Udaipur to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance road capacity. Udaipur's Municipal Corporation successfully removed significant traffic bottlenecks. With a lot more to be done in the coming months, a good beginning seems to have been made towards the end of this year.

Illegal Encroachment Removed from Ashok Nagar 

On Tuesday, December 26,2023 accompanied by the police, the municipal team took action by removing an unauthorised encroachment in Ashok Nagar, Udaipur. The effort extended beyond merely dismantling ramps outside shops; the team also focused on widening the roads for overall improvement. Click Here For Full News

Fatehpura Bottlenecks Cleared in Three Phases

After causing inconvenience, the bottlenecks at Fatehpura intersection were finally cleared in three stages. The UDA team, arriving at 9:30 AM, efficiently removed debris from the demolished building using a JCB and 25 dumpers. Click Here For Full News. The UDA survey revealed a daily traffic volume of 66,415 PCUs at the intersection. To tackle congestion, plans are in motion to widen it to around 150 feet. On September 26, 2023, the UDA initiated the first-ever demolition of a building at the intersection's corner. Then, on November 22, 2023, they demolished six rooms in the building for the second time.

CRIME in UDAIPUR

Double Murder: Two Elderly Sisters were murdered by their own Sister's Daughter-in-Law

Udaipur Police swiftly solved the double murder case within a week. The assailant, Maria, from the Dawoodi Bohra community and daughter-in-law of the victims' third sister, confessed to killing Sara Bai and Hussaina Bai on October 27 in Diamond Colony, Navratna Complex. Click Here For Full News. Arrests followed after a thorough investigation led by Superintendent of Police Bhuwan Bhushan Yadav. The accused is in Judicial Custody, while the Charge Sheet is yet to be filed.

Karni Sena Chief Murdered 

After the Rajasthan Assembly Election results, Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, the President of Karni Sena, was fatally shot in Jaipur. CCTV footage shows the assailants opening fire, bringing a tragic conclusion to the leader's life, who had previously encountered an alleged conspiracy. Click Here For Full News. His murder led to unrest across Rajasthan, and that too immediately a few days after the results of the State Assembly Elections. There was a one day Bandh called in Udaipur. In the absence of a new Chief Minister, the outgoing CM Ashok Gehlot had to sign orders for Police and legal action. 

Mother Arrested for Killing her 14yr Son in Udaipur

A 43-year-old woman residing at Saheli Nagar in Udaipur was arrested for strangling her 14-year-old son to death on Sunday, 30 July, at 6:30am. Manisha Pareek confessed to the crime, calling the police after her husband had left for a morning walk. Click Here For Full News. The victim, Puranjay Pareek, was in 8th grade and had celebrated his 14th birthday three days prior to his murder.

SP Suspends 5 Policemen Following Custodial Death in Gogunda

Five police officers, including the Gogunda police station's SHO in Udaipur, were suspended by the SP following the death of 25-year-old Surendra Singh Devra in police custody. Click Here For Full News. Devra, detained from Gujarat over a kidnapping case, fainted during questioning at the Gogunda police station and was declared dead at MB Hospital, with doctors attributing his death to cardiac arrest.

Courtroom Drama in Pratapgarh

A history sheeter landed in the local court at Pratapgarh with a Pistol in his hand and surrendered himself in front of the Judge. This incident highlighted a major security flaw in Courts, when anyboy can walk in with arms and this leads to a threat to the lawmakers and those present in Court. Click Here For Full News. The person was identified as Salman and he was wanted for a day light air firing incident that took place in an open market in Pratapgarh a day before this incident in Court.

Dawoodi Bohra Trust Fraud

The Chairman of the Qardan Hasanat Trust Office in Banswara and his sons were arrested after being accused of siphoning off the Gold kept by community members in their treasury, and securing heavy personal loans for themselves from other Banks. Click Here For Full News. The father-sons trio, where the father Saifuddin Babji is the Chairman of the Qardan Hasanat Trust in Banswara, and his sons, Taha Hussain Ujjainwala and Hatim Ujjainwala have been accused of embezzling gold ornaments and gold biscuits kept as security with the Qardan Hasant trust.

Politics

The State Assembly Elections in Rajasthan resulted in a massive victory for the BJP in the state and Udaipur also elected Tarachand Jain of the BJP as its new MLA. Tarachand defeated his nearest rival Prof. Gourav Vallabh of the Congress by a substantial margin. At this point in time, the Udaipur Municipal body, the Udaipur representative (MLA) in the State Assembly and the State Government are all of the same political party. Click Here for the Election Results. This election saw the elevation of the BAP and BTP as regional parties to reckon with, after their candidates snatched victories from the major poltical giants in a few regions in the Mewar belt. 3 candidates from the Bharat Adivasi Party got resounding victories in Dungarpur and Pratapgarh. Bhilwara also sprung a surprise with an Independent Candidate Ashok Kothari capturing the MLA seat from Bhilwara from the hands of the BJP. Chandrabhan Singh Aakya, the favorite from Chittor also held on to his seat, albeit as an independent this time. Both Kothari and Chandrabhan's victory go to show that individual preference supercedes that of the Party behind the candidate when a candidate is performing well. Most of the electoral zones in Mewar, viz. Udaipur, Bhilwara, Dungarpur, Salumber, Chittor and Rajsamand went the BJP way, with only Banswara going to the Congress and Pratapgarh shared by the BJP and BAP.

PEOPLE

Chittorgarh: Ladu Lal Sukhwal, a Jawan with the Indian Army, was posted at Ladakh, when he met with Martyrdom. Ladu belonged to Rood village near Chittorgarh.