Nashik, May 7 (BNP): Maharashtra is preparing for a major development push in Nashik with ₹33,000 crore worth of infrastructure and connectivity projects planned around the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, adding that the city is set to evolve far beyond its religious identity into a sustained economic growth centre.
Speaking at the closing session of the Kumbh Udyog Sangam and Nashik Investment Summit 2026, he said the scale of investment is designed not only to support the massive congregation expected during the Kumbh but also to leave behind permanent urban and industrial assets.
The Simhastha Kumbh Mela, scheduled from October 31, 2026 to July 24, 2028, is expected to drive large-scale upgrades in transport, civic infrastructure, mobility systems, and urban facilities across the district.
Fadnavis said the development programme is being structured to ensure that pilgrimage-driven infrastructure also strengthens Nashik’s long-term economic base. Key focus areas include road expansion, ring roads, logistics connectivity, and improved public utilities.
Alongside infrastructure development, the state is positioning Nashik as an emerging industrial destination. At the investment summit, agreements worth ₹13,190 crore were signed with over 300 investors, projected to generate nearly 32,000 jobs.
The Chief Minister said Nashik has already seen strong investment traction, with more than ₹31,900 crore implemented in recent years and overall inflows crossing ₹57,000 crore over the last two years.
He noted that implementation levels remain high, with nearly 77 per cent of signed investment commitments already moving into execution, reflecting growing investor confidence in the region.
Industrial interest is expanding across sectors such as manufacturing, electronics, automobiles, textiles, agriculture-linked services, and logistics. Major industry players, including Mahindra & Mahindra, are among those investing or expanding operations in the region.
Fadnavis also highlighted that Nashik is being developed as part of a broader regional growth corridor, alongside districts like Jalgaon, Dhule, Nandurbar, and Ahilyanagar, to ensure more balanced industrial distribution across Maharashtra.
He said improvements in airport capacity, railway connectivity, and industrial infrastructure are strengthening Nashik’s attractiveness as an investment destination, while dedicated facilitation systems are helping speed up project execution.
Officials said the Kumbh-linked development model is being used as a catalyst to integrate spiritual tourism with economic planning, creating opportunities for hospitality, transport, retail, and small businesses.
With large-scale public investment and rising private participation, Nashik is being positioned as a future-ready urban and industrial hub expected to anchor growth in northern Maharashtra over the next decade.
