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The Centre has approved INR 257 crore under the Urban Challenge Fund to support major infrastructure works in Nashik ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027. The projects, proposed by the Nashik Municipal Corporation, are part of a larger INR 1,900 crore development plan focused on roads, water supply, sewerage systems, river rejuvenation and urban mobility. The funding comes as Maharashtra accelerates preparations for the religious gathering expected to attract millions of devotees. Along with civic upgrades, authorities are also focusing on sustainability, traffic management and long-term urban infrastructure improvements across Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.
The Centre has sanctioned INR 257 crore for infrastructure projects linked to the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 in Nashik under the Urban Challenge Fund. The approval is expected to support a series of civic and mobility projects planned by the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), which has prepared an overall infrastructure proposal worth nearly INR 1,900 crore. Advertisement
The approved projects include upgrades to road networks, water supply systems, drainage and sewerage infrastructure, along with urban mobility improvements across key areas of Nashik and Trimbakeshwar. Authorities are also focusing on river rejuvenation works connected to the Godavari river, which remains central to the religious gathering and attracts millions of pilgrims during the Kumbh period.
Officials associated with the project stated that the funding will help fast-track several pending infrastructure works that are considered important not only for the event but also for the city’s long-term urban development. Civic authorities are expecting a major rise in population movement during the Kumbh Mela and are planning infrastructure with a larger carrying capacity to manage crowd movement, sanitation and transport requirements more efficiently.
According to officials, nearly INR 100 crore from the sanctioned amount has been allocated for a water treatment plant and related infrastructure. Around INR 56 crore has been earmarked for the Clean Godavari mission, which includes river cleaning and supporting civic works. Another INR 37 crore will be used for truck parking facilities, tourist bus parking areas and related infrastructure aimed at improving traffic management during the event.
Apart from the latest central allocation, the Maharashtra government had recently approved an additional INR 396.6 crore for Kumbh-related infrastructure projects in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar. These projects include road widening, drinking water supply systems, drainage upgrades, sanitation facilities, street lighting and crowd management infrastructure. State authorities had earlier indicated that funding approvals for Kumbh preparations have been taking place in phases since 2025.
The Simhastha Kumbh Mela, held once every 12 years, is expected to bring a significant rise in tourism, temporary population movement and religious travel to Nashik. Due to the scale of the gathering, authorities are also planning long-term improvements in urban transport systems, parking facilities and public utilities so that the infrastructure remains useful even after the event concludes.
Officials from the civic administration noted that Nashik Municipal Corporation’s financial position and its earlier experience with municipal bond fundraising helped strengthen its proposal for central assistance. The sanctioned amount currently forms a part of the overall project cost, while the remaining funding is expected to come through state support, civic resources and other financing channels.
Industries and local business groups in Nashik have also extended support for Kumbh-related development through corporate social responsibility initiatives. Earlier reports indicated that industries in the region pledged nearly INR 35 crore towards works such as water purification systems, city beautification, public signage and civic infrastructure support.
Authorities are now expected to speed up tendering and execution activities over the coming months as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 religious gathering. Several projects are likely to be taken up simultaneously to ensure timely completion before the event begins.
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