Nashik: The Nashik Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Development Authority has approved a major expansion of Nashik’s Ozar airport as the city moves into large-scale preparations for the 28-month Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
According to officials, the authority cleared the construction of a new integrated terminal building and associated works costing Rs 556 crore. The airport, operated by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is expected to see its passenger-handling capacity rise from 300 to 1,000 passengers per hour once the project is completed. Divisional Commissioner and Authority Chairman Dr Praveen Gedam has directed that the work be finished before March 2027. A Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and HAL will be executed to facilitate the expansion.
The state government is currently rolling out multiple infrastructure projects for the upcoming Kumbh, which will run from October 31, 2026, to July 24, 2028. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that projects worth around Rs 20,000 crore have been sanctioned by the Union and state governments for event-related and long-term urban improvements. Officials said the latest groundbreaking ceremonies covered works worth Rs 5,757 crore under departments including the Public Works Department and the Nashik Municipal Corporation.
The government also plans to introduce a “Digital Kumbh” platform to provide information services and support crowd management using artificial intelligence tools. During a review visit, the Chief Minister assessed progress in the Ramkund area and examined plans for the Rs 99.14 crore Ramkal Path project, aimed at improving visitor amenities and preserving cultural sites such as Ramkund, Seeta Gumpha, the Kalaram Temple and Ram Laxman Gumpha.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the state aims to ensure systematic preparations for the extended Kumbh, which occurs during the rare Trikhand Yog and is expected to draw significant domestic and international participation.