Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis performed the ‘bhoomipujan’ of several projects and announced on Thursday that development works costing over Rs 20,000 crore have been sanctioned for the upcoming Nashik Kumbh Mela 2027.
According to the PTI, CM Fadnavis performed the ‘bhoomipujan’ for projects worth Rs 5,757 crore, assuring that all works would be conducted transparently and there would be no shortage of funds for the Kumbh, which occurs once every 12 years.
He added that the projects are designed to last at least 25 years and will significantly improve infrastructure in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.
“This Kumbh is special as it falls during ‘Trikhand Yog’ after 75 years and will continue for 28 months, from October 31, 2026 to July 24, 2028. While the Prayagraj Kumbh spans 15,000 hectares along the Ganga, Nashik has just 500 acres for the festivities,” CM Fadnavis said, as per the PTI.
The projects include Rs 2,270 crore works by the Public Works Department and Rs 3,338 crore by the Nashik Municipal Corporation. The state’s largest Zilla Parishad building was also inaugurated, with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and state Kumbh Minister Girish Mahajan in attendance.
CM Fadnavis also announced a ‘Digital Kumbh’ initiative to promote the Mela online. Artificial intelligence (AI) will be employed to manage crowds and maintain law and order, while digital platforms will provide information to devotees, as per the PTI.
During his visit, the CM reviewed the Rs 99.14 crore Ramkal Path project, which focuses on renovating and conserving historical structures such as Ramkund, Seeta Gumpha, Lord Kalaram Temple, and Ram Laxman Gumpha, while improving basic amenities for visitors.
Meanwhile, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said that the Simhastha Kumbh Mela will not only be a religious celebration but also highlight India on the global spiritual map.
The government has prepared both short-term and long-term development plans, focusing on roads, water supply, drainage, sanitation, transport, security, and accommodation for sadhus and devotees.
“The Kumbh Mela is a chance to transform Nashik. These works will make the city cleaner, modern, and beautiful, with special attention on cleanliness and water purification around Ramkund and the Godavari river,” Shinde said.
A 1,400-acre ‘Sadhugram’ will be established to accommodate sadhus and seers from across the country with all necessary facilities. Shinde emphasised that the Kumbh is a matter of Maharashtra’s prestige and urged all departments to treat it as their responsibility.
CM Fadnavis and Shinde later offered prayers at the Lord Kalaram Temple.
(with PTI inputs)