Nashik is gearing up for one of its largest infrastructure upgrades in years, with a Rs 2,100 crore citywide road redevelopment initiative ahead of the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has drawn up a three-phase strategy to overhaul 61 arterial and feeder roads, aiming to ensure smoother traffic flow and robust public infrastructure to accommodate the influx of pilgrims expected for the religious gathering.
The city last hosted the Kumbh in 2015. With the next event projected to bring in millions of visitors, urban planning authorities are prioritising roads that directly connect to national and state highways, especially those forming the city’s ring road network. Phase one of the project includes the resurfacing and expansion of 23 key roads, followed by 29 more in phase two, which will focus particularly on the ceremonial route known as the Shahi Marg. The final phase will cover nine remaining stretches. According to senior officials, approximately Rs 373 crore has been earmarked for execution of phase one, with completion targeted by the end of FY2025-26. The remainder of the funds will be disbursed incrementally in the following fiscal year, ensuring continuity of works.
A larger proposal worth Rs 15,000 crore has also been submitted to the state government for approval. This includes Rs 4,000 crore dedicated to road construction, the building of nine new bridges, and allied infrastructure upgrades. The proposal is part of a comprehensive plan to elevate Nashik’s urban resilience and prepare it for future high-density events. City officials stated that tenders have already been finalised for an integrated sewage management system covering 22 major nullahs, costing approximately Rs 1,475 crore. This sanitation project includes the construction of sewage treatment plants, diversion works, and pumping stations to prevent waterlogging and contamination issues during the monsoon and religious gatherings.
At recent review meetings, state leadership has reportedly directed civic authorities to prioritise projects that have longer gestation periods, ensuring that major mobility and public health-related infrastructure is completed well in advance of the Kumbh. The NMC’s planned interventions go beyond immediate religious logistics. The improvements are also viewed as a stepping stone toward transforming Nashik into a high-capacity, future-ready city capable of managing rapid population growth, urban migration, and climate-related pressures. However, execution timelines and transparency in fund utilisation will remain under close public and administrative scrutiny.
The real test will lie in maintaining environmental and design integrity while delivering functional infrastructure within fixed timelines. With sustained engagement from both citizens and planners, Nashik’s preparatory roadmap has the potential to serve as a replicable model for mid-sized Indian cities hosting mega-events in the future.
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