13 May,2026 09:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra govt on Wednesday announced a financial grant of Rs 5 crore for each Akhada participating in the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027. pic/X (CMOMaharashtra)
The Maharashtra government has begun large-scale preparations for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 with AI-based crowd management, a Rs 665 crore Darshan Path project and enhanced security arrangements in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.
The state government on Wednesday announced a financial grant of Rs 5 crore for each Akhada participating in the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made the announcement during a high-level review meeting held at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai on Tuesday.
The government also announced financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh for smaller religious institutions participating in the Kumbh Mela, officials said.
Fadnavis said the state government would ensure there is no shortage of funds for the successful organisation of the religious gathering.
He added that the Kumbh Mela was an opportunity for Maharashtra to create a model of public service for devotees, saints and visitors arriving from across the world.
The Chief Minister also announced that electricity bills of Akhadas would be paid through the Kumbh Mela Authority.
According to an official statement, in another key announcement, the Chief Minister said Akhadas whose land is acquired for government work would either receive compensation or alternative land.
The government also said it would consider reserving certain areas of land for Akhadas to meet future requirements linked to the religious event.
Fadnavis said the preparations were not limited to the upcoming Kumbh Mela alone but were being planned with the next Kumbh cycle, 12 years later, also in mind.
The Chief Minister said that permanent infrastructure and development projects are being created in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar to support future religious tourism and public facilities.
He said efforts are underway to create a spiritually uplifting atmosphere across the entire region.
The government also announced plans for a corridor near the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, one of India's important Jyotirlinga shrines.
Restoration work is also being carried out at religious sites in Nashik, including kunds, Ramkal Path, temples and caves.
Officials said extensive healthcare planning has also been prepared to ensure that saints, pilgrims and visitors face no medical difficulties during the event.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the state government was committed to organising the Kumbh Mela in a grand and secure manner.
He stressed that there would be no compromise on security arrangements and directed all agencies to maintain coordination for crowd management and emergency response.
Shinde added that 377 acres of land have currently been reserved for the Kumbh Mela, while the government remains open to providing additional land if required by Akhadas.
Officials also presented details of the Trimbakeshwar Darshan Path Project, which will be developed at a cost of Rs 665 crore.
Key features of the project include:
- One-way movement system for uninterrupted darshan
- A âShiv Darshan Complex' with capacity for 9,000 devotees
- Air-conditioned halls and LED display facilities
- Emergency evacuation capability within five minutes
- AI-based crowd management system
- Traditional Maratha-style architecture using black stone
- Expected 80 per cent reduction in traffic congestion
The first phase of the project will cost Rs 275 crore, while the second phase is estimated at Rs 390 crore.
The meeting held on Wednesday was attended by several senior ministers, officials and representatives of 13 Akhadas.
Kumbh Mela Authority Commissioner Shekhar Singh gave a presentation on the preparations and development plans for the religious event, officials said.
