Indian Railways is advancing plans to expand and upgrade rail infrastructure in Maharashtra’s Nashik region ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, one of the country’s largest religious gatherings. The initiative is aimed at easing passenger movement and improving connectivity during the event, drawing on operational lessons from the Maha Kumbh Mela recently held in Prayagraj.

As part of the preparations, surveys have been sanctioned to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for several new lines and capacity enhancements. Proposed projects include the Nashik–Shirdi New Line (95 km), Nashik–Trimbkeshwar–Dahanu Road New Line (100 km), Kasara–Asangaon fourth line (35 km), Manmad–Asangaon third and fourth lines (131 km), and Bhusawal–Wardha third and fourth lines (314 km).

In addition, Indian Railways is undertaking signalling upgrades and yard remodelling works to support the running of additional trains. Key projects include automatic signalling on the Manmad–Jalgaon line (160 km), yard remodelling at Manmad and Jalgaon, construction of a rail-over-rail flyover at Manmad (11 km), and the Bhusawal Yard Remodelling. Other projects include the Bhusawal–Badnera–Wardha–Nagpur automatic signalling system (393 km), Nardana–Dhule New Line (51 km), Kalyan–Asangaon third and fourth lines (32 km), Asangaon–Kasara third line (35 km), Jalgaon–Manmad fourth line (160 km), Puntamba–Sainagar Shirdi line doubling (17 km), Daund–Manmad line doubling (247 km), Hadapsar and Khadki Satellite Terminals, and the Shirdi Coaching Yard remodelling.

For road connectivity, 18 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs) worth ₹393 crore have been sanctioned in Nashik district.

Currently, Nashik Road station is served by 138 train services, while Devlali has 14 services connecting major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Secunderabad, Patna, and Kolkata. To meet growing demand, 17 special trains are already in operation, and more short- and long-distance services are expected during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.

The Simhastha Kumbh Mela, held when Jupiter enters the Leo constellation, is celebrated primarily in Nashik and Ujjain. With millions of pilgrims expected, Indian Railways’ infrastructure push is designed to enhance safety, improve passenger facilities, and provide more efficient transport options during the festival.

Source: ETV Bharat