NMC’s first cable-stayed pedestrian bridge on Godavari to be ready by March next year

Nashik: The Nashik Municipal Corporation has begun work on its first cable-stayed pedestrian bridge, Ram Jhula, across the Godavari river to ease foot traffic between the two banks during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The bridge, estimated to cost around Rs 24 crore, is expected to be completed by March next year.The structure will connect Balaji Kot to the Ganeshwadi vegetable market. City engineer Sanjay Agrawal told TOI that the tendering process was complete with the work order being issued to the selected contractor. "Construction of Ram Jhula is under way. Foundation work has already started within the riverbed," he said.Agrawal said Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has set a March 2027 deadline for completing the project. "We will finish the work within the stipulated time. The Ram Jhula will be ready to serve the large influx of devotees during the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela," he said.The bridge, expected to be 175 metres long, will offer a smooth pedestrian link between Panchavati and the Saraf Bazaar-Bhandi Bazaar-Kapda Bazaar areas on one side and the Main Road locality on the other.NMC has planned six new bridges along the Godavari river system — including Ram Jhula and a down ramp — at a total cost of Rs 170 crore. Three of these will rise over the Godavari within city limits, while two others will be built over the Nandini river in the Nashik West division and the Waldevi river in the Nashik Road division. Another bridge is planned near the Tapovan sewage treatment plant on the Godavari. The cable-stayed Ram Jhula is in addition to these five new structures, all aimed at easing traffic congestion during the Kumbh Mela.The civic body has set March 2027 as the target for completing all six proposed bridges across the Godavari and its tributaries, and work on each structure has already begun.The flag-hoisting ceremony for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela is scheduled for Oct 2026, followed by the three major Amrit Snans between Aug and Sept 2027. Nearly five crore devotees are expected to arrive in Nashik for the event.