Mumbai: In a major push to upgrade Nashik’s infrastructure ahead of the 2027 Kumbh Mela, the state government has cleared the long-pending 66.15-km ring road project—estimated to cost nearly ₹8,000 crore. The project, originally expected to be handled by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), has now been entrusted to the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) following approval from the State Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure.
A key portion of the project cost—land acquisition—has received formal approval of ₹3,659.47 crore. According to officials, negotiations with the Centre are currently underway for the civil works component valued at ₹4,262.64 crore, for which the state has already given its nod.
As per a Government Resolution (GR) issued on Friday, funds for land acquisition will be routed through the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority. After talks with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) conclude, the state government and the Centre will formalise the arrangement through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Designed as a parikrama marg for Kumbh visitors, the ring road is expected to significantly decongest Nashik city, streamline traffic, and enhance the movement of goods. Officials noted that improved connectivity will also boost industrial growth, logistics efficiency, and tourism in the region.
With nearly 2 crore devotees and tourists expected to arrive for the 2027 Kumbh Mela, the project is being treated with urgency. To recover costs, the government has kept open the option of collecting tolls, likely under a revenue-sharing model between the state and the Centre.
