Gadkari Approves Nashik Road Upgrade Ahead of 2026 Simhastha Kumbh

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has granted in-principle approval to strengthen and expand road infrastructure connecting Nashik ahead of the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, following the request of Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. A high-level meeting in Nagpur, attended by Gadkari, CM Fadnavis, senior state officials and Union Ministry representatives, confirmed that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) will be prepared soon and funding will be released promptly.

The infrastructural push includes widening the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar road into a six-lane highway and developing the Nashik Ring Road. Critical junctions like Dwarka Circle will undergo phased upgrades modeled on Navi Mumbai’s Kalamboli junction—one phase before, and another post‑Kumbh.

Nashik’s connectivity through eight major routes—Mumbai, Palghar, Pune, Gujarat, Dhule and others—will also be enhanced, including internal links to national highways. The enhanced road network aims to effectively manage increased traffic, ensuring safer and smoother pilgrim movement during the Kumbh mela.

The Simhastha Kumbh Mela begins with Dhwajarohan on October 31, 2026 and draws millions of devotees to Nashik and Trimbakeshwar over its duration.