With the Kumbh Mela approaching in 2026-27, Nashik residents were hoping for major infrastructure and development projects in the latest state budget. However, the budget presented by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday (10th) did not announce any new projects for Nashik, leaving citizens disappointed.
Last year, the state government allocated a token amount of ₹100 crore for Kumbh preparations. This year, however, no such provision has been made. Although a Kumbh Mela Authority is being established, there is no clear mention of how the required funds will be allocated for the event.
Several key projects that Nashik has been expecting for years remain uncertain. The ₹146 crore Ram-Kal-Path Project was approved by the central government, with ₹100 crore already sanctioned. The Namami Goda Project, planned for the cleaning and beautification of the Godavari River, has faced delays. Although the central government had agreed to provide funds, cost-cutting instructions have slowed its progress. A ₹1,400 crore project for improving Nashik’s sewage system is now being privatized. Other infrastructure works are planned under the Amrut Scheme, but their feasibility remains in question.
Nashik has been awaiting progress on transport projects like the compact metro (instead of neo-metro) and the Nashik-Pune semi-high-speed railway. However, no funds were allocated for these projects in the budget, raising doubts about their execution.
There were expectations that the Kikvi Dam would be completed before the Kumbh Mela. However, with no specific budgetary provisions, uncertainty remains over whether the project will be completed in time.
The Namami Goda project is linked to the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), but since the Godavari originates from Trimbakeshwar, funds were expected for development in that region as well. The state government has directed NMC to arrange for the remaining ₹46 crore, and the civic body has sought assistance from the Directorate of Tourism. However, there is no clarity on whether this funding has been approved.
Despite hopes for progress, Nashik has not received any major industrial investments in recent years. Compared to other regions, North Maharashtra continues to be overlooked in terms of new development projects. With the Kumbh Mela just two years away, the lack of financial commitment from the government raises concerns about the city’s preparedness for the massive event.