The central government has given the green light to several major road projects in Nashik, Maharashtra, in anticipation of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2027. This decision was reached during a high-level meeting attended by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and other key officials. The focus of these projects is to enhance connectivity and manage the expected surge in pilgrim traffic.
Eight major roads that connect Nashik to various key locations including Sambhajinagar, Nagpur, Gujarat, Mumbai, Dhule and Palghar have been approved for upgrades. These routes are expected to see heavy traffic during the Kumbh Mela. Recognizing the scale of the event, Chief Minister Fadnavis had personally requested the Prime Minister to have the central government oversee the road network improvements.
In addition to the national highway upgrades, there’s also focus on internal roads within Nashik. A four-lane highway connecting Ghoti and Trimbakeshwar is planned with an investment of ₹3,700 crore, aimed to facilitate smoother transit for pilgrims traveling to Trimbakeshwar.
The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) is also actively involved, initiating infrastructure projects worth approximately ₹4,000 crore. These projects, which are set to commence within the next six months, include the construction of new bridges and upgrades to existing ones, along with the establishment of sewage treatment plants. The NMC has proposed a total of ₹15,000 crore worth of works to the state government for approval related to the Kumbh Mela.
Specifically, the NMC has already floated tenders for projects including construction of STPs and new bridges across the Godavari River and its tributaries. These bridges are planned at Tapovan, Milindnagar and Wadner Dumala. Furthermore, there are plans to strengthen the existing Gadge Maharaj bridge, including a down ramp for use by sadhus during the Kumbh Mela.
Nashik is undertaking a large-scale infrastructure transformation worth over INR 20,000 crore, including the construction of nine new bridges, modern sewage treatment systems, flyovers and industrial zones. An INR 850-metre flyover at Nandur Naka on Nashik Road is currently under construction with a 50 crore investment to help streamline traffic in a critical economic corridor.
The Kumbh Mela is scheduled between 2026 and 2028, with the first holy bath, or "Amrit Snan," on August 2, 2027. The authorities are aiming to complete the necessary infrastructure upgrades well in advance of these dates.
