Maharashtra Clears ₹1,800 Crore for Nashik Kumbh Mela

Maharashtra has approved ₹1,800 crore to speed up preparations for the upcoming Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The funding will support major infrastructure and public service projects aimed at making the religious event safer, better organized and more convenient for millions of devotees.

The approved amount will be transferred to the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority, which will oversee the implementation and use of the funds.

₹1,800 Crore Approved for Kumbh Mela Infrastructure

The Urban Development Department issued a Government Resolution approving the release of ₹1,800 crore. The amount represents the remaining portion of the ₹3,000 crore supplementary funding approved during the state government's Monsoon Session.

The Finance Department has cleared the release of the balance amount, allowing the funds to be made available for planned Kumbh Mela projects in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.

The large financial allocation is expected to help authorities move ahead with several important civic and infrastructure works before the festival.

Roads, Ghats and Water Supply to Get Priority

The funding will cover a wide range of projects needed to manage the large number of visitors expected during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.

Key works include road construction and improvements, development and renovation of ghats, sanitation facilities, drinking water supply, traffic management and safety arrangements for devotees.

Better infrastructure is expected to improve movement across important pilgrimage areas while supporting smoother access to religious sites and public facilities.

Kumbh Mela Authority to Monitor Fund Use

The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority will be responsible for monitoring how the approved funds are used.

The Nashik Divisional Commissioner, who also serves as chairman of the authority, has been appointed as the chief controlling officer for the funds. The full amount will be placed in a special bank account operated in the name of the divisional commissioner.

Officials will be required to ensure that the money is used only for approved Simhastha Kumbh Mela-related projects.

Strict Approval and Spending Rules

The government resolution requires all projects to receive the necessary administrative and technical approvals before funds can be used.

Departments and agencies will be able to receive funding or begin spending only after the required sanctions are in place. Spending must also follow financial rules, government guidelines and the Finance Department's instructions.

Authorities will also be required to submit utilization certificates after the approved funds are spent, helping maintain financial oversight and transparency.

Maharashtra Has Released Funds in Multiple Phases

The state government has already provided funding for Simhastha Kumbh Mela preparations through several installments.

During the 2025-26 financial year, the government released ₹283 crore, ₹717 crore, ₹501.40 crore, ₹396.60 crore and ₹1,220 crore at different stages.

For 2026-27, the remaining ₹1,800 crore from the ₹3,000 crore supplementary demand has now been approved.

The latest funding is expected to give a major boost to preparations in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar as the state works to strengthen infrastructure, public services and safety arrangements ahead of the major religious gathering.