Mahajan calls for faster execution of Kumbh works

Nashik: Kumbh Mela minister Girish Mahajan on Tuesday reviewed the ongoing Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 preparations in a meeting held in Mumbai.He also instructed all the departments concerned to complete all the projects by March 2027, the deadline set to complete the works, and ensure that work quality strictly meets prescribed parameters.During the meeting Mahajan stressed on strong inter-departmental coordination, weekly progress monitoring and immediate resolution of delays.Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority commissioner Shekhar Singh was present for the meeting, while authority commissioner Praveen Gedam, NMC commissioner Manisha Khatri, district collector Ayush Prasad, Nashik ZP CEO Onkar Pawar, and officials from other authorities were present online.During the meeting, Mahajan assessed the progress of key infrastructural works in view of the Kumbh Mela, including major road upgrades, Nashik airport expansions, new ghat constructions and repairs of existing ones, transport connectivity improvements, land acquisition processes and civic amenities required to handle the massive influx of devotees expected during the Kumbh.He also instructed officials to speed up the works while ensuring no compromise on quality, durability, and safety benchmarks.The minister noted that the Kumbh Mela is not merely a religious event but a globally recognised spiritual gathering that represents the cultural identity of Maharashtra. Given its scale, he said timely coordination between multiple departments, including Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), district administration, irrigation bodies, PWD and the police, is essential to ensure that all facilities are operational well ahead of the event.Mahajan stressed that departments must monitor their timelines weekly and resolve inter-departmental hurdles immediately to avoid last-minute delays. He added that govt is prepared to extend administrative and financial support wherever required, provided the agencies demonstrate measurable progress.With just less than one-and-a-half years left for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, the flag-hoisting will be held on Oct 31 this year, while three major Amrit Snans (holy baths) will take place between Aug and Sept 2027.Around 25,000-crore works are to be undertaken by various authorities in view of the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela.