In preparation for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has given in-principle approval for the development of key road infrastructure to accommodate the expected massive influx of pilgrims. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the necessary works will be prepared soon, and central funding will be allocated accordingly.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ office in Nagpur. The meeting focused on planning logistics and infrastructure for the Kumbh Mela and was attended by key officials including Union Minister Gadkari, Water Resources Minister and Nashik Guardian Minister Girish Mahajan, Public Works Minister Shivrendra Singh Arunraje Abhaysinhraje Bhosale, and senior bureaucrats.
Chief Minister Fadnavis had earlier appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for central government support, citing the increasing number of devotees visiting the Kumbh Mela and the need to enhance infrastructure for better crowd management and public safety.
Nashik is linked via around eight major routes—connecting cities like Mumbai, Gujarat, Palghar, Pune, Ahilyanagar, Sambhajinagar, and Dhule. These routes play a critical role during the Kumbh period. The internal roads in and around Nashik that connect to national highways were also reviewed for upgrades. Most of these roads received in-principle approval from the Union Minister.
CM Fadnavis emphasized that the expanded and modernized road network will play a crucial role in managing traffic flow and ensuring a safer and more convenient experience for devotees during the event. Approval was also granted for the construction of the Nashik Ring Road, while the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar road will be upgraded to a six-lane highway.
Special focus was given to resolving traffic congestion at Nashik’s busy Dwarka Circle, which will be redeveloped in two phases—one before and one after the Kumbh Mela—on the lines of Navi Mumbai’s Kalamboli Junction.
The proactive steps taken by the central and state governments aim to ensure smooth transportation and infrastructure readiness ahead of the spiritually significant Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
Important Road Projects in View of Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027:
Ghoti – Pahine – Trimbakeshwar – Jawhar Phata
Dwarka Circle – Sinnar I.C. 21 (Samruddhi Expressway) – Nandur Shingote – Kolhar
Nashik to Kasara
Sawli Vihir (I.C. 20 Samruddhi Expressway) – Shirdi – Shani Shingnapur Phata (Rahuri Khurd)
Nashik to Dhule
Trimbakeshwar – Jawhar – Manor
Sawli Vihir – Manmad – Malegaon
Ghoti – Sinnar – Wavi – Shirdi
Shani Shingnapur Phata (Rahuri Khurd) – Ahilyanagar (Kharwandi Phata)
