Nashik, India – On Thursday, the city’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, kicked off a new wave of development projects that could transform Nashik ahead of the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The foundation‑stone ceremony marked the launch of works valued at roughly ₹5.7 billion (about $640 million) and set the stage for even larger investments from both central and state governments.
Massive plans for a modern, pilgrim‑ready city
The chief minister said that the total budget for infrastructure construction in Nashik would rise past ₹20,000 crore now and could reach ₹25,000 crore by the time the Kumbh Mela arrives. “That amount will let us build a whole lot of new roads, highways, water‑supply schemes, and more,” Fadnavis said. He added that the city will look “beautiful and modern” once the projects finish.
Key priorities include:
- Roads and highways – Patching up damaged stretches and improving traffic flow.
- Water schemes – Upgrading drinking‑water supply for millions of visitors.
- Ghat and temple restoration – Building new ghats near the Godavari and reviving historic temples, while keeping the ancient look of the Godavari slope.
- Outer circular route – A new ring road to help manage the flow of devotees during the Mela.
- Transport hubs – A brand‑new terminal at Nashik airport, upgraded railway facilities and a modern bus station.
- Security – A smart CCTV network and the use of artificial‑intelligence tools for crowd control.
Security and transparency
Fadnavis stressed that the government would handle the Mela “with transparency” and that religious leaders would help guide the event. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the Kumbh would change Nashik’s global profile. “It’s a chance to make Nashik a beautiful and modern city,” he said. He also mentioned that up to 1,200 acres of land will be acquired for the Mela’s expansion and that the police are implementing strict measures to keep the event safe. AI‑based surveillance is expected to assist in crowd management.
International recognition
Kumbh Minister Girish Mahajan highlighted that the past Mela in Nashik had earned praise overseas. “This time, we expect even more pilgrims than last year,” he said. He added that because Nashik and its neighboring town Trimbakeshwar have less space compared to Prayagraj, the administration is speeding up preparations to ensure safety and order.
Impact on the city
Municipal official reports say that the planned redevelopment will not only benefit pilgrims but also boost tourism and local business in the long term. The massive infrastructure push positions Nashik on the map as a major pilgrimage hub that offers modern amenities while preserving cultural traditions.
As the Simhastha Kumbh Mela approaches, these new projects aim to make the city a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming destination for the millions of devotees who flock each year.
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