As the countdown to the 2026-28 Simhastha Kumbh Mela begins, industries in Nashik are intensifying calls for the urgent expansion of the city’s airport to accommodate the anticipated surge in passenger traffic. Despite repeated appeals over the past four months from industrial bodies to the Maharashtra government, no significant progress has been made, triggering unease within the business community.
The Nashik Industries and Manufacturers’ Association (NIMA) recently escalated the matter by submitting a formal memorandum to a senior political leader during his visit to the city. The delegation requested his intervention in securing both state and central support for the airport expansion. This request comes amidst growing concerns that existing infrastructure at the Nashik airport will be woefully inadequate to manage the large influx of pilgrims and tourists expected during the religious mega-event. During a dedicated meeting with NIMA representatives, discussions focused on the need for immediate terminal expansion and increased aircraft parking capacity. The proposal also includes Nashik’s inclusion in the second phase of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), a move that would significantly boost the region’s connectivity and economic profile. According to industry representatives, the current terminal, which can only handle 300 passengers at a time, must be upgraded to accommodate nearly 1,000 passengers per hour during the Kumbh period.
Officials involved in the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to relay these demands to key decision-makers at both the state and union levels. They assured industrial stakeholders that efforts would be made to expedite approvals and funding to ensure that the city is equipped to manage the spike in traffic efficiently. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which currently manages the Nashik airport, had earlier submitted detailed proposals in January 2025, urging the state to take swift action. HAL had proposed expanding the terminal and increasing aircraft parking bays from five to fifteen. The proposals were submitted twice over the last four months, yet the state administration has remained unresponsive.
The lack of movement on the airport upgrade has not only raised alarm among industries but also sparked comparisons with other regional infrastructure projects. An industrialist participating in the NIMA meeting pointed out that while the state government has allocated Rs 1,200 crore for the development of Shirdi airport, Nashik’s critical expansion needs have been overlooked. The Nashik airport, located at Janori about 20 kilometres from the city, was jointly developed by the Maharashtra government and HAL in 2013-14 at a cost of Rs 94 crore. The state contributed Rs 84 crore and HAL Rs 10 crore, with the latter also providing land. Under the agreement, the terminal is leased to HAL for 30 years at a nominal rate of Rs 1,000 per month.
Given this background, industry leaders are urging the state to honour its investment and commitment by initiating immediate expansion plans. They argue that failure to act now would result in a logistical crisis during the Kumbh Mela and significantly dent Nashik’s image as a viable industrial and pilgrimage destination. Beyond religious tourism, stakeholders emphasise that upgrading the airport has broader economic implications. A larger terminal and better infrastructure would not only cater to Kumbh-related traffic but would also facilitate better cargo movement, business travel, and overall connectivity. With Nashik aspiring to be part of the DMIC’s second phase, improved air connectivity is crucial to attract investments and diversify its industrial base.
The Department of Civil Aviation has not yet issued an official timeline for the expansion, further deepening uncertainty. Industrial stakeholders warn that any delay beyond mid-2025 would mean missing the critical window needed to complete infrastructure upgrades before the Kumbh Mela begins. The religious gathering, which occurs once every 12 years, draws millions of pilgrims and is expected to attract unprecedented footfall due to improved connectivity in other parts of the country. Nashik’s current airport infrastructure, already under pressure, may not withstand such volume without risking delays, overcrowding, and negative public perception. Experts from the aviation sector have echoed these concerns, indicating that the airport requires not just physical expansion but also digitised services, upgraded safety systems, and sustainability-driven designs to manage the future demand. With less than two years remaining before the Kumbh Mela, these upgrades are not just necessary but urgent.
In the absence of immediate government action, NIMA and other industrial bodies plan to intensify lobbying efforts, potentially through collaborative forums with national industry associations and infrastructure ministries. They hope that a strong collective voice will nudge policymakers into action, especially given the state’s broader ambitions for regional development and industrial growth. As the clock ticks toward one of India’s largest religious congregations, Nashik stands at a critical juncture. The success of the event and the city’s long-term economic prospects could hinge on whether the government chooses to treat airport infrastructure as a strategic priority or a bureaucratic afterthought.
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