Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis fast-tracks infra, e-buses to avoid chaos at 2027 Nashik Kumbh Mela

Devendra Fadnavis

To ensure smooth traffic flow and seamless connectivity during the 2027 Nashik Kumbh Mela, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed that work on the proposed ring road be taken up on priority. He has asked the Nashik divisional commissioner to submit a roadwork plan to the Public Works Department within 10 days.

Fadnavis chaired a meeting on Monday to review preparations for the Nashik Kumbh. The meeting at Mantralaya was attended by senior BJP leader Girish Mahajan, IAS officials, and officers from relevant departments.

In February, mid-day was the first to report the state government's plan to build a ring road to enhance connectivity. This decision gains significance in light of severe traffic snarls at the recent Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh, where pilgrims were stuck in vehicles for hours, with congestion stretching over 60 to 100 km. Back in January, during another review meeting, Fadnavis had emphasised his vision to position Nashik as a global spiritual destination.

"To provide the best services to visitors attending the Kumbh Mela, the administration should prepare a proposal for an e-bus facility and submit it to the government for effective implementation," Fadnavis said.

The 2027 Nashik Kumbh Mela is expected to attract millions of pilgrims and tourists. The event, held every 12 years, last took place in Nashik in 2015. Taking lessons from past mishaps, such as the 2003 stampede in Nashik that claimed 39 lives, the Fadnavis government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure proper crowd and traffic management.

CM reviews key infra projects

Key Mumbai projects reviewed included:
>> Metro Line 2B: (DN Nagar-Mandala)
>> Metro Line 4: (Wadala-Kasarvadavli)
>> Metro Line 5: (Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan)
>> Metro Line 6: (Swami Samarthnagar-Vikhroli)
>> Metro Line 7A: (Andheri-CSTM T2)
>> Metro Line 9: (Dahisar East-Mira Bhayandar)
>> Orange Gate: Marine Drive Tunnel
>> Borivli: Thane Link Tunnel
>> Uttan: Virar Sea Link
>> Sewri: Worli Elevated Corridor
>> Dahisar: Bhayander Link Road
>> Goregaon: Magathane DP Road
>> Goregaon: Mulund Link Road
>> North coastal road

"All projects should be reviewed regularly and completed within the stipulated time frame," Fadnavis instructed officials.

The CM also reviewed progress on Pune Metro and ongoing development works in Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Western Maharashtra. According to a statement from his office, 73 issues were discussed - 31 were resolved, while the rest are in process.