Nashik Municipal Departments Lock Horns Over Kumbh Mela Road Project Delays
Significant differences have emerged between the public works department and the water supply and drainage department of the Nashik Municipal Corporation regarding delays in crucial road projects planned ahead of the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The inter-departmental conflict came to light during a recent review meeting chaired by NMC commissioner Manisha Khatri, highlighting coordination challenges within the civic administration.
Blame Game Over Utility Works
During the meeting, PWD officials explicitly stated that road construction works could not commence because utility-related tasks remain incomplete. Taking serious note of the delays, Commissioner Khatri directed officials from the water supply and drainage department to complete all pending utility and repair works by April 30. However, the water supply department officials countered by advising the PWD to begin road works on stretches where no utility works were required, specifically mentioning Jail Road and several other roads.
The water supply officials further clarified that road works could be initiated on three to four-kilometer stretches of most major roads where water supply and drainage works had already been finished. Despite these suggestions, the PWD has not started road construction on these available stretches, creating a standoff between the two crucial municipal departments.
Massive Infrastructure Project Details
As part of comprehensive Kumbh Mela preparations, the Nashik civic body has planned extensive road works on 28 major roads across the city. The estimated cost of this massive infrastructure project stands at approximately Rs 1,270 crore, with a stipulated completion deadline of March 2027. Work orders have already been issued to contractors through the tender process, but physical work has yet to begin on the ground.
Notably, half of these roads are scheduled to be concretised using advanced white-topping technology, which promises enhanced durability and longevity. However, utility duct works that began in January and were initially scheduled for completion by February 15 have faced repeated extensions. The deadline has been pushed multiple times—first to the end of February, then to March 15, followed by March 31, then April 15, and now to April 30.
Specific Road Challenges and Timelines
Water supply department officials provided detailed timelines for specific problem areas. They indicated that utility works on some roads would be completed by April 25, and on other roads by April 30, with the exception of three major roads. These three critical stretches include:
- The road from Jehan Circle towards Gangapur Road
- The stretch from Bardan Phata to Sula Wine Chowk
- The route from Vilholi to Laxmi Narayan Bridge via Pathardi Phata, Kala Nagar, Vaijay Mamta Chowk, and Metro Mall
Officials confirmed that works on these three roads would be completed by May 15. Additionally, they highlighted another significant Kumbh-related project: the direct pipeline from the water treatment plant at Vilholi to Sadhugram and Nilgiri Bag WTP, spanning over 13 kilometers in total length, which would also be finished by May 15.
Administrative Coordination Concerns
The ongoing blame game between municipal departments has raised serious concerns about meeting timelines for major Kumbh-related infrastructure projects in Nashik. The differences highlight long-standing coordination challenges within the civic administration, particularly for large-scale infrastructure projects involving multiple departments. According to officials familiar with the situation, such inter-departmental delays could have a cascading impact on overall project deadlines if not resolved promptly and effectively.
When contacted for clarification, NMC commissioner Manisha Khatri offered a more optimistic perspective, stating that utility works have been completed and road restoration works are currently underway. She confidently asserted that all road works would be completed by the March 2027 deadline, suggesting that despite the current disagreements, the administration remains committed to meeting its infrastructure goals for the historic religious gathering.
