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The new integrated terminal at Nashik’s Ozar airport is being fast-tracked for completion by March 31, 2027, ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority reviewed construction progress on August 15 and directed agencies to accelerate the work along with related road and safety infrastructure. The airport expansion, approved at an estimated INR 556 crore, is designed to increase passenger-handling capacity from 300 to 1,000 passengers per hour. The broader works include a new terminal, expanded aircraft parking and passenger facilities, while access improvements are also being pursued.
The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority has directed agencies to accelerate construction of the new integrated terminal at Ozar airport, with the facility targeted for completion by March 31, 2027, as Maharashtra prepares for the expected increase in passenger movement during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The review conducted on August 15 also covered road strengthening and highway safety works connecting the airport with the wider transport network.
The airport expansion was approved administratively in November 2025 at an estimated cost of INR 556 crore. The project is being taken forward through cooperation between the Maharashtra government and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which owns the airport. The planned expansion includes a new integrated passenger terminal and supporting aviation infrastructure.
The new terminal is planned over approximately 17,800 square metres. Once completed, the expansion is expected to increase the airport’s passenger-handling capacity from around 300 passengers per hour to 1,000 passengers per hour, more than tripling its stated hourly capacity. The additional capacity is intended to cater to periods of concentrated passenger demand during the Kumbh and beyond.
The expansion package extends beyond the terminal building. Plans include an enlarged aircraft apron, additional parking capacity and passenger facilities such as aerobridges and upgraded security infrastructure. A parking area of about 25,000 square metres has also been planned as part of the development.
Ozar airport is located around 20 km from Nashik city, making road connectivity an important component of the infrastructure programme. During the August 15 review, officials also inspected road-strengthening works connecting the airport and safety measures being undertaken along NH-3. The authority has directed that these supporting works progress alongside the terminal construction.
The completion schedule has been set against preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027, which is expected to bring large numbers of pilgrims and visitors to Nashik and Trimbakeshwar. The airport is expected to form part of the region’s wider transport network during the event, alongside road and rail infrastructure.
The Kumbh authority’s review focused on accelerating the construction schedule and addressing potential implementation issues. Officials have also called for regular monitoring of the project to ensure that the terminal and associated infrastructure meet the March 2027 deadline.
The airport works are being implemented alongside improvements to the surrounding road network. Strengthening approach roads and highway safety infrastructure is intended to support the movement of additional passengers and vehicles generated by higher airport activity.
The expanded terminal, aircraft-handling facilities and improved road access are expected to increase Ozar airport’s capacity to serve Nashik during the Kumbh. The infrastructure will also remain available for passenger operations after the religious event, providing the city with additional aviation capacity.
With construction being expedited, March 31, 2027 remains the key completion milestone for the project. The authorities are now working towards having the terminal and related connectivity infrastructure operational before the major passenger movement associated with the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
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