Simhastha Kumbh Mela Planning Gains Momentum; Dr. Gedam Focuses On Crowd Management

The planning for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela has intensified, with Divisional Revenue Commissioner Dr. Praveen Gedam directing officials to focus on road infrastructure, railway station upgrades, and crowd management. Following a study tour of Prayagraj and a meeting with the Chief Minister, a review meeting was conducted at the Collector’s Office to assess the progress of various departments.

After observing the crowd management in Prayagraj, it was noted that Nashik requires additional ghats to accommodate the expected influx of devotees. Officials have been instructed to prepare a proposal for constructing new ghats at Tapovan Sangama, in front of Lakshminarayan Temple, and on both sides of the Godavari River in the Dasak Pachak area. An on-site inspection will be conducted before finalising the decision, informed Dr Gedam.

Officials have been directed to review and finalise road planning before initiating the tendering process. Since road construction will take time, immediate action has been urged. A 91-kilometer ring road, connecting various internal roads and extending beyond the city, is being planned. This road will be widened to ensure smooth traffic flow for vehicles bypassing the city. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Public Works Department (PWD), and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) will coordinate the construction of NH-37 and other highways.

To facilitate devotees traveling to Trimbakeshwar, plans are in place to widen and develop the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar road, ensuring smooth access to the temple while reducing vehicular congestion. Roads leading to railway stations, as well as those connecting Kopargaon, Sinnar-Gonde, Bharveer, and Pimpri-Sado with the Samruddhi Highway, will also be expanded. Additionally, the Ghoti-Trimbakeshwar road will be linked to the National Highway for better connectivity.

Other key road developments include the enhancement of routes from Dwarka to Sinnar, Nandur Shingote, Shirdi Airport, Nashik-Kasara, Nashik-Dhule, Trimbak-Jawhar-Manor, Wani, and Kavanai-Taked-Beze, ensuring seamless access to religious sites and airports.

Railway Station Expansion

The Nashik Road railway station currently has four platforms. Plans are underway to construct an additional platform on 11 acres of land to the east. A ‘folding area’ will be created to manage the influx of devotees. Additionally, a proposal has been submitted for an integrated hub near Nashik Road station, featuring a metro stand, Nashik-Pune railway stop, and an ST Citylink stop. The architectural plan for this hub will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Expansion of Sadhugram

The current 375-acre Sadhugram is deemed insufficient, prompting a proposal to double its size. Land in Nandurmanur is being considered for expansion, and a survey will be conducted to finalize the land acquisition.

Transport and Security Plan

The police administration has been tasked with devising a comprehensive transport plan for the Kumbh Mela. This includes designating specific routes for devotees, establishing proper roads and parking at the ghats, and installing CCTV cameras along key routes. Additionally, the police force will collaborate with other departments to implement security and crowd management measures effectively.

With these developments, the administration aims to ensure a well-organized and smooth Simhastha Kumbh Mela, enhancing infrastructure and facilities for millions of devotees.