Nashik: With preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela gathering pace, the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA) has started work on a scientific signage and wayfinding system aimed at helping lakhs of pilgrims navigate Nashik and Trimbakeshwar efficiently during the mega religious event.
High-Level Meeting Charts the Roadmap
The roadmap for the system was discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by NTKMA commissioner Shekhar Singh. The meeting was attended by officials from the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), police, Public Works Department (PWD), water resources department, and technical experts, including international wayfinding specialist Mark Ross.
Learning from Past Experiences
Reviewing past experiences from the 2015 Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela and the recent Prayagraj Mahakumbh, officials stressed the need for a structured, globally benchmarked system to ensure smooth crowd movement and traffic management. The signage network must be so clear and intuitive that visitors do not need to ask for directions. It should be simple, multilingual, and easily understandable, especially for first-time pilgrims, Singh said.
Key Features of the Proposed Signage Plan
The proposed plan includes both temporary and permanent signage guiding visitors to ghats, temples, parking areas, transport hubs, and public facilities. Authorities are focusing on clear, standardised, and multilingual displays for ease of understanding by domestic and international devotees. Discussions also covered integrating signage with traffic systems and pedestrian movement planning, with an emphasis on adopting international best practices used in large-scale events.
Next Steps: Site Surveys and Blueprint Finalisation
As part of the next phase, NTKMA, along with civic bodies and the police, will conduct joint site surveys across Nashik city and Trimbakeshwar town to identify key locations for installations and finalise the system blueprint. Officials said the initiative is aimed at ensuring a seamless, safe, and hassle-free experience for millions of pilgrims expected at the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
