Union tourism secretary Bhuvnesh Kumar on Friday reviewed preparations for the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 during a high-level meeting in Shirdi. The focus was on infrastructure development, visitor facilities, and international outreach.
Later, he visited Nashik city and inspected the site where the Ram Kal Path project is being developed on the stretch between Ramkund in the Godavari river and Kalaram Temple and Seeta Gufa.
Meeting Highlights
Chairing the meeting in Shirdi, Kumar emphasized the need for timely execution and quality in tourism-related projects, including the Ram Kal Path initiative in Nashik. This project is being developed as a key attraction ahead of the Kumbh Mela.
The review meeting focused on developing the mega event into a world-class spiritual, cultural, and tourism hub. Discussions centered on infrastructure creation, visitor facilitation, branding, and promotion strategies.
Detailed Presentation
Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA) commissioner Shekhar Singh made a detailed presentation on the status of preparations. It covered proposed infrastructure, ongoing planning, and inter-departmental coordination.
Officials discussed setting up tourism-oriented facilities such as tent cities, cultural spaces, interpretation centres, immersive digital experience zones, and exhibition areas for pilgrims and visitors.
Key Proposal: Kala Gram
A key highlight was the proposal to develop a ‘kala gram’ or cultural haat to showcase Maharashtra’s traditional arts, crafts, and cultural heritage. This aims to enhance experiential tourism during the Kumbh.
Visitor Amenities
The meeting also reviewed measures to improve tourist facilities, including information centres, digital services, multilingual assistance systems, and other amenities to ensure a seamless experience for domestic and international pilgrims.
Branding and Connectivity
Discussions were held on strengthening branding under the Incredible India campaign, promoting tourism circuits, improving connectivity, and exploring initiatives such as heli-tourism.
Kumar stressed the capacity building of tourism service providers and the need to adopt best practices from previous Kumbh events to ensure efficient management of the mega gathering.
Attendance
Nashik divisional commissioner and NTKMA chairman Praveen Gedam attended the meeting virtually. Officials from MTDC, the state tourism department, and Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust were present.
Officials said coordinated efforts between the Centre, state government, and local authorities will be key to delivering a safe, well-managed, and globally recognized Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027.
Ram Kal Path Project Review
During his Nashik visit, Kumar reviewed the on-site progress of the proposed Ram Kal Path project and directed the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) to complete it before the Kumbh begins.
The Ram Kal Path project includes development of the entire 1.3 km stretch from Ahilyabai Holkar bridge near Ramkund in the Godavari river to Kalaram Temple and Seeta Gufa. The project is estimated to cost Rs 145 crore, including Rs 100 crore funded by the Union ministry of tourism.
