The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority has planned 56,610 temporary sanitation units for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2027, as the event is expected to attract around 12 crore pilgrims across Nashik and Trimbakeshwar. The plan includes 19,364 high-density polyethylene portable toilets and 37,246 bathrooms, although officials said the numbers remain tentative and could be revised according to requirements.
The authority’s request for quotation requires installation, testing and commissioning of all facilities by July 15, 2027. The operation and maintenance period will run for 54 days, from July 25 to September 16. This period covers the three scheduled Amrit Snan dates on August 2, August 31 and September 11. In Trimbakeshwar, the third Amrit Snan will be held on September 12.
Of the proposed portable toilets, 12,900 will be equipped with septic tanks and 6,464 will be connected to designated sewage disposal systems. Among the planned bathrooms, 4,356 will have soak pits and tiled flooring, while 32,890 will be built without those features.
Selected agencies will be responsible for supplying, installing, operating and maintaining the sanitation facilities. Their scope will include water supply, drainage, wastewater disposal, cleaning and disinfection, repairs, electricity connections, deployment of sanitation workers and safe disposal of sewage, according to officials cited in the request for quotation.
Each toilet block will comprise 10 units, including seven Indian-style toilets and three western-style toilets. At least one western-style toilet in every block must be wheelchair accessible. Handwashing stations and waste bins will also be mandatory under the proposed specifications.
The authority has required toilets to be cleaned and sanitised at least three times a day, or more frequently if necessary. Damaged components must be replaced within three hours, while agencies must maintain a 10% buffer stock of facilities for emergencies. The requirements place operation and maintenance responsibilities on the selected agencies rather than limiting the contract to installation.
A control room with a toll-free helpline will be established to receive complaints, which must also be addressed within three hours. The sanitation plan provides for desludging septic tanks through cesspool vehicles with capacities ranging from 2,000 litres to 6,000 litres. Jet-spraying machines will be used to clean toilet units, and sanitation workers will be deployed in three shifts.
The proposed system is intended to provide temporary water, sanitation and waste-management infrastructure during the mass gathering. Its implementation will now depend on the finalised requirements, selection of agencies and completion of installation and commissioning by July 15, 2027.
