Maharashtra Chief Secretary Issues March 2027 Deadline for Nashik Kumbh Mela Infrastructure
In a decisive move to ensure timely completion of critical infrastructure ahead of the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela, Maharashtra Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal has issued a firm directive to all concerned departments. During a high-level review meeting held in Mumbai on Wednesday, Aggarwal mandated that all projects related to the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela must be fully operational by March 2027.
Comprehensive Review of Key Projects
Presiding over the meeting, Chief Secretary Aggarwal conducted a thorough assessment of several major infrastructure initiatives. The review encompassed multiple key components, including the development of Ram Kal Path, the construction of various bridges, and the ambitious outer ring road planned around Nashik city. This comprehensive evaluation aimed to identify bottlenecks and accelerate progress across all fronts.
Focus on Nashik Parikrama Outer Ring Road
A primary emphasis of the meeting was the accelerated implementation of the "Nashik Parikrama" project—a 66.15-kilometer outer ring road designed to bypass the city's outskirts. This crucial infrastructure received administrative approval in November 2025 and is specifically engineered to alleviate severe traffic congestion expected during the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The total project cost, inclusive of land acquisition expenses, is estimated to exceed Rs7,500 crore, making it one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the region.
Shekhar Singh, Commissioner of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority, confirmed that the chief secretary has established a strict March 2027 deadline. This timeline is intended to guarantee that all essential facilities are completely functional before the commencement of the major religious event, which attracts millions of pilgrims from across India and beyond.
Development of Sadhugram in Tapovan Area
The meeting also addressed the critical development of "Sadhugram" in the Tapovan area, where thousands of sadhus (ascetics) are traditionally accommodated during the Kumbh Mela. While the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has designated 377 acres as a no-development zone for this purpose, the corporation currently possesses only 91 acres of this land.
Following specific directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the NMC is now actively pursuing permanent acquisition of the remaining 283 acres. This marks a significant shift from the traditional approach where the corporation relied on one-year leases from private landowners. The new strategy emphasizes permanent land acquisition to enable more effective infrastructure management and long-term planning for the pilgrim township.
Accelerated Land Acquisition Processes
To prevent any potential delays in the construction of the outer ring road and the expansion of the pilgrim township, the district administration's land acquisition department has received explicit instructions to fast-track all necessary processes. This accelerated approach is crucial for meeting the ambitious March 2027 deadline set by Chief Secretary Aggarwal.
The coordinated effort between multiple government departments reflects the administration's commitment to ensuring that Nashik is fully prepared to host the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela with adequate infrastructure, improved traffic management, and enhanced facilities for both pilgrims and residents.
