Nashik Municipal Corporation has approved a Rs 9.20-crore facelift of the Godavari riverfront and Ramkund heritage precinct, clearing the way for redevelopment works ahead of the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The project will cover the stretch between Balaji Kot and Gadge Maharaj Bridge, along with Ramkund and Malviya Road.
The civic body’s standing committee approved the expanded project, which includes conservation and restoration of heritage temples and wadas, beautification, repairs and electrical works. The plan was initially estimated at Rs 6.5 crore and focused on historic structures around the Balaji temple area. Its scope was later widened following discussions with an Ahmedabad-based consultancy and management agency.
Under the revised plan, around Rs 6.37 crore has been allocated for civil works and Rs 2.83 crore for electrical works. The project has been proposed under the Centre’s Urban Challenge Fund. The work is part of the larger Rs 146.10-crore Ram Kal Path project, which seeks to upgrade the Panchavati-Ramkund belt and present Nashik’s association with the Ramayana as a tourism asset.
Of the larger project cost, Rs 99.16 crore has been received from the Centre. The remaining Rs 46.94 crore is expected to come through the participation of the Maharashtra government, Nashik Municipal Corporation and other agencies.
The Ram Kal Path project covers prominent locations including the Kalaram Temple, Sita Gufa and Ramkund, as well as the Godavari riverfront between Ahilyabai Holkar Bridge and Gadge Maharaj Bridge. Planned facilities include drinking water infrastructure, parking spaces, fountains and boating facilities. Authorities also plan designated no-vehicle and no-plastic zones in parts of the heritage precinct.
The wider redevelopment package includes murals, sculptures, arches, lamp pillars and decorative lighting. These works are intended to improve the appearance and visitor infrastructure of the Panchavati-Ramkund area while supporting its use as a religious and cultural destination.
The latest approval adds a defined civil and electrical works package to the broader redevelopment effort as Nashik prepares for the expected increase in visitors during the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The next stages will involve implementing the approved works across the riverfront, Ramkund and adjoining heritage areas under the larger Ram Kal Path project.
