The Maharashtra state budget has approved a significant allocation of ₹2,270 crore for the development of key roads in and around Nashik, with a focus on improving infrastructure for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela. Among the major projects, ₹350 crore has been earmarked for the six-laning and concreting of the Nashik-Trimbak road, and ₹100 crore for the widening of the Nashik-Dindori-Vani road. A 91-kilometer ring road will also be constructed around Nashik to facilitate smooth traffic movement during Simhastha. The 21-kilometer stretch of this ring road will connect to the National Highway and the Samruddhi Highway, ensuring easier access for devotees arriving from across the country. The government has also approved the construction and repair of various roads and bridges crucial for Simhastha preparations.
Divisional Commissioner Praveen Gedam, who chaired a closed-door meeting on Simhastha preparations at the District Collector’s Office, confirmed that the Public Works Department will soon begin these projects. He stated that considering the large number of devotees expected to visit Nashik, well-maintained roads are essential for managing vehicle movement. The work, which will take about two years, will commence in the coming days. In addition to the road projects, Nashik’s Godaghat will undergo repairs, and essential road maintenance in both urban and rural areas will be carried out. The police department has also presented a detailed plan for necessary roads, ghats, and bridges to ensure smooth traffic management during the religious gathering.
The approved road projects include six-laning and concreting of the Nashik-Trimbak Road with ₹350 crore, widening and improvement of the Nashik-Dindori-Vani-Nanduri Road with ₹100 crore, and a bridge over Unanda River on the Nashik-Dindori Road with ₹15 crore. ₹215 crore has been allocated for the Dugaon to Jaulke-Trimbak Road, ₹50 crore for the Janori-Ozar Road, and ₹119 crore for the Bharveer-Taked-Baij Road. Other key allocations include ₹207 crore for the Chincholi-Vadgaon-Pingala-Vinchur-Dalvi-Pandhurli Road and ₹200 crore for various road developments in Wadiwarde, Dahegaon, Jategaon, Talegaon, Mahiravani, Dudgaon, and Ganeshgaon.
Additionally, ₹163 crore has been sanctioned for the Dugaon-Dhakambe-Jaulke Road, ₹165 crore for the Shidi-Rahata Exit Road, and ₹215 crore for the Trimbakeshwar-Tupadevi-Talwade-Umrale-Dindori-Palkhed-Jopul-Pimpalgaon Road. The Dugaon-June Ghagur-Dhakambe-Ambe-Dindori-Jaulke Road will receive ₹163 crore, while ₹205 crore has been allocated for the Peth-Torangan-Harsul-Waghera-Amboli-Pahine-Ghoti Road. The Janori-Ozar International Airport Road will get ₹50 crore, Aadgaon-Girnare-Waghera-Harsul-Ozarkhed Road ₹157 crore, and Trimbak-Devgaon-Khodala Road ₹47 crore. An additional ₹17 crore has been set aside for other minor works.
With these projects, Nashik’s road infrastructure is expected to undergo significant improvement, ensuring better connectivity and smoother travel for both residents and visitors ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.