Maps Prepared by me

 Maps Prepared by me

Sawalya Povalya Road existence proof

    It is generally observed that the Forest Department does not recognize the existence of roads constructed after 1980 unless supported by authenticated historical records, even when physical traces of such roads are visible on the ground. In the present case, however, the situation is converse in nature. The old Sawalya–Povalya Ghat road was historically in use and served as an alternative route prior to the development of the present NH-848 alignment. Subsequently, the National Highway was realigned to accommodate increasing traffic volumes, including heavy trucks and multi-axle trailers, by providing improved geometric standards such as larger turning radii, gentler gradients, enhanced sight distances, and safer operating conditions. Such realignments are consistent with national highway planning practices where alternative alignments are evaluated to improve road geometry, traffic capacity, and safety.

    For establishing the historical existence of the Sawalya–Povalya Ghat alignment, Survey of India topographical sheets of 1965 were obtained and examined. The historical alignment depicted on the 1965 toposheet was compared with subsequent topographical records and present-day satellite imagery. The alignment was further verified through geo-referencing of the historical maps and overlaying them on current geospatial data. Continuous ground traces, formation remnants, cuttings, embankments, and matching terrain features observed on site correspond closely with the alignment shown on the historical toposheets, thereby providing independent and corroborative evidence of the road’s pre-existing nature. Survey of India topographical sheets are recognised cartographic records documenting transportation networks and other man-made features existing at the time of survey.

    Accordingly, the proposed reconstruction and improvement of the Sawalya–Povalya Ghat road cannot be construed as creation of a new road alignment. Rather, it constitutes restoration and upgradation of a historically existing route, the alignment of which stands substantiated through authenticated Survey of India cartographic records, geo-referenced mapping analysis, and verifiable physical evidence available on the ground.

Irrigation Water Mains Pipeline Road crossing

        Based on recent reports regarding Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 preparations, the Water Resources Department (WRD) is implementing a lift-water scheme from the downstream side of the Gautami Godavari Dam to ensure continuous flow of water through Trimbakeshwar and Kushavart Kund during the Kumbh period. The project involves pumping water from the Gautami Godavari Dam to upstream storage and releasing it into the Godavari River so that a perennial flow is maintained through Kushavart Kund and the river stretch used for ritual bathing by pilgrims. The scheme has been specifically planned to augment water availability during major bathing events and to support the expected influx of millions of devotees during Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027.

        As per discussions undertaken by the Irrigation Department, approximately 75 cusecs of water is proposed to be conveyed to Kushavart Kund, from where it will continue downstream through the Godavari River channel, thereby ensuring adequate flow, water quality, and pilgrim bathing facilities. The importance of maintaining continuous flow in the Godavari at Trimbakeshwar has also been highlighted in various Kumbh Mela planning initiatives, including development of new ghats, kunds, riverfront infrastructure, and water management systems for the event.

        The proposed rising main, pipeline corridor, and associated infrastructure substantially follow transportation corridors and run parallel to roads under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department (PWD). Therefore, for effective inter-departmental coordination, design review, utility management, land planning, execution, and future maintenance, it is essential that the alignment be communicated with reference to PWD road chainages, road classifications, and right-of-way limits. Identification of the pipeline alignment in terms of chainage-wise location along State Highways, Major District Roads, Other District Roads, and Village Roads will facilitate accurate site referencing, utility conflict resolution, preparation of cross-drainage arrangements, traffic management planning, and statutory approvals from the concerned road authorities.

    Accordingly, it is proposed that the entire water-conveyance alignment be superimposed on the approved road network and presented in chainage-wise format indicating the corresponding road category, road number, side of carriageway, crossing locations, structures affected, and extent of occupancy within the road right-of-way. Such standardisation will ensure uniform interpretation of the alignment by all stakeholder departments and will expedite implementation of this critical infrastructure project associated with Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027.

Toposheets with chainages to Identify Forest Length chainages

        In view of the forthcoming Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027, a comprehensive transportation network has been identified for facilitating the movement of pilgrims expected to arrive from various parts of the country. The projected traffic demand is anticipated to be substantially higher than normal conditions owing to improved regional connectivity through the Samruddhi Mahamarg, the Mumbai–Delhi Expressway corridor, the Mumbai–Agra National Highway (NH-3/NH-160 corridor) and other National and State Highways converging towards Nashik and Trimbakeshwar. Government agencies have accordingly undertaken large-scale road development, widening, strengthening, ring-road construction and connectivity enhancement projects to ensure safe and efficient traffic movement during the Kumbh period.

        Various reports and decisions of the Kumbh Mela Authority indicate that several approach corridors, city roads, ring roads and Trimbakeshwar-bound routes are being upgraded specifically to accommodate the anticipated influx of devotees. These works include widening of Nashik–Trimbak connectivity, development of outer ring roads, improvement of highway approaches, construction of bridges and augmentation of key road links connecting Nashik with Mumbai, Gujarat, Dhule, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur and other regions.

        A significant portion of the road network leading to Trimbakeshwar traverses notified forest areas and environmentally sensitive zones. Consequently, statutory clearances under applicable forest legislation became necessary for implementation of the identified Kumbh infrastructure projects. In total, forest permissions were required for twelve road projects associated with the Kumbh road network. Of these, six projects were processed under provisions relating to pre-existing forest rights and traditional usage corridors, while the remaining six projects required approval under the provisions governing diversion of forest land for public infrastructure purposes. The categorisation of projects and determination of applicable regulatory provisions necessitated accurate verification of the existing road alignments and their historical status.

        For this purpose, detailed geo-spatial investigations were undertaken by superimposing the proposed and existing road alignments on authenticated Survey of India topographical sheets through geo-referencing techniques. Chainage-wise mapping was carried out using GIS platforms to accurately establish the relationship between road alignments and notified forest boundaries. Historical cartographic records, satellite imagery, revenue maps and field verification were analysed jointly to identify stretches passing through forest land and to determine the precise extent of forest involvement for each project. The exercise enabled preparation of chainage-wise forest schedules, delineation of diversion areas, verification of pre-existing alignments and preparation of statutory proposals required for obtaining approvals from the competent forest authorities.

        The geo-referenced chainage-based assessment provided a scientifically verifiable basis for distinguishing forest and non-forest stretches, facilitating regulatory compliance while ensuring timely implementation of critical transportation infrastructure required for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027. Such an approach also ensured uniformity in project documentation across departments and enabled accurate coordination among the Public Works Department, Forest Department, Revenue Department and Kumbh Mela Authority during planning and execution of the road improvement programme. 

Saptashrungi Temple Connectivity

        The shrine of Saptashrungi Devi Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the Nashik region and forms a significant religious circuit along with Trimbakeshwar Temple, Panchavati and other sacred sites. Located near Vani–Nanduri in Kalwan Taluka, approximately 60–75 km from Nashik City, the temple attracts several lakh devotees annually and experiences particularly high traffic volumes during major religious events. During the Chaitra Yatra alone, authorities expect around six lakh pilgrims, demonstrating the strategic importance of the approach road network.

        From a transportation planning perspective, Saptashrungi serves as the northern pilgrimage gateway of Nashik district. Pilgrim traffic approaching the shrine primarily originates from Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Pune, Thane, Gujarat, Khandesh, Marathwada and Vidarbha regions. These movements are carried through the regional highway network comprising the Mumbai–Agra National Highway corridor, Nashik–Dindori–Vani route and other State Highway links connecting Kalwan, Satana and surrounding towns. The temple is connected to Nashik through the Dindori–Vani corridor and onward to Nanduri at the foothills of the shrine.

        The operationalisation of the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg) has substantially improved accessibility to Nashik from Mumbai, Thane, Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Amravati and Nagpur regions. Consequently, a significant increase in private vehicle, tourist bus and pilgrimage traffic is expected towards both Nashik and Saptashrungi during Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027.

        Considering the expected pilgrimage movement during Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027, Saptashrungi connectivity assumes strategic importance because a large number of visitors are expected to combine visits to Trimbakeshwar, Panchavati and Saptashrungi within a single pilgrimage itinerary. Accordingly, the Government of Maharashtra and local authorities have initiated extensive road upgradation, widening and connectivity enhancement projects across Nashik district to improve traffic carrying capacity and reduce travel times before commencement of the Kumbh Mela.

        The final approach to the shrine traverses hilly terrain and environmentally sensitive forest areas within the Satmala mountain range. Consequently, widening, strengthening and geometric improvements of several road stretches require detailed examination of forest boundaries, existing right-of-way and historical road alignments. For regulatory compliance and preparation of forest clearance proposals, chainage-wise geo-referencing of road alignments over authenticated Survey of India toposheets and GIS databases is necessary to accurately identify road sections passing through forest land, quantify diversion requirements and establish the historical status of existing routes. Such chainage-based mapping provides a scientifically verifiable basis for obtaining statutory approvals while ensuring timely execution of critical road infrastructure required for Kumbh-related pilgrimage traffic.

Airport Connectivity

        Air connectivity constitutes a critical component of the transportation strategy being developed for the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027. Considering the projected attendance of more than 12 crore pilgrims and visitors during the event, multimodal access through road, rail and air networks has been identified as essential for efficient movement and crowd management. In this context, the Nashik Airport at Ozar (Ojhar) is being developed as the principal aviation gateway for the Kumbh region. Government agencies have accorded high priority to expansion of the airport infrastructure in order to accommodate the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during the Kumbh period.

        The Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Development Authority has approved a major airport expansion programme, including construction of a new integrated terminal building, augmentation of aircraft parking facilities, expansion of passenger handling capacity, enhancement of security infrastructure and improvement of landside access arrangements. The project has been targeted for completion before commencement of the principal Kumbh activities so that the airport can effectively serve pilgrims, tourists, officials, emergency services and international visitors expected to arrive during the event.

        Senior government reviews of Kumbh preparedness have specifically identified airport readiness as a key infrastructure requirement alongside highways, railways, ring roads and pilgrim facilities. State-level planning meetings have directed that adequate facilities be created at airports and transport terminals to handle the unprecedented influx of visitors expected during Simhastha Kumbh 2027.

        The airport assumes additional strategic significance because of its direct connectivity potential with major metropolitan centres such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and other cities from which a substantial proportion of Kumbh pilgrims are expected to travel. Improved air connectivity will reduce pressure on the regional highway network, facilitate movement of high-volume passenger traffic, strengthen disaster-response capabilities and support rapid deployment of administrative, security and medical resources during peak bathing days.

        To maximise the benefits of airport expansion, it is necessary to establish seamless connectivity between Ozar Airport and the principal Kumbh destinations of Nashik City, Panchavati, Trimbakeshwar, Sadhugram and associated parking and transit hubs. Accordingly, strengthening and capacity augmentation of connecting roads, junction improvements, traffic management infrastructure and wayfinding systems form an integral part of the overall transportation plan being implemented for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027.

National Highway Connectivity to Nashik

        The success of the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 is critically dependent upon the capacity and efficiency of the National Highway network converging on Nashik. As one of the largest religious congregations in the world, the event is expected to attract pilgrims from all regions of India through a combination of expressways, national highways, railways and air transport. Consequently, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Government of Maharashtra and the Kumbh Mela Authority have accorded high priority to strengthening the regional highway network before commencement of the principal bathing events in 2027. Multiple highway expansion, widening, bypass and connectivity projects have accordingly been sanctioned to improve traffic carrying capacity and reduce congestion on major pilgrimage corridors.

1. NH-160 Corridor (Mumbai – Thane – Bhiwandi – Shahapur – Nashik – Sinnar)

        The NH-160 corridor constitutes the principal southern gateway to Nashik and provides direct connectivity from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Thane, Kalyan, Bhiwandi and adjoining urban centres. This route serves a substantial proportion of pilgrim traffic arriving from Mumbai, Konkan and Western Maharashtra. The corridor also interfaces with the Samruddhi Mahamarg through the Igatpuri–Ghoti region, thereby enabling movement from Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and eastern Maharashtra towards Nashik and Trimbakeshwar. Significant traffic augmentation is anticipated on this route during the Kumbh period, necessitating capacity enhancement and improved traffic management measures.

2. NH-848 Corridor (Nashik – Peth – Surgana – Gujarat Border)

        NH-848 forms the western approach to Nashik and provides connectivity with Gujarat, Dang district, Valsad region and western tribal areas. This corridor is strategically important for pilgrims arriving from Gujarat, Rajasthan and north-western India. The highway also provides access through forested and hilly terrain including the Sawalghat and Surgana region. Several road improvement proposals associated with Kumbh connectivity involve environmentally sensitive stretches where detailed chainage-wise assessment, forest land verification and statutory approvals are required. Owing to the expected increase in interstate pilgrim traffic, this corridor has been identified as an important feeder route to the Nashik Kumbh transportation network.

3. NH-60 (Former NH-3 Mumbai–Agra Highway)

        The Mumbai–Agra Highway remains the most significant national highway corridor serving Nashik and functions as the primary north–south arterial route connecting Mumbai, Nashik, Dhule, Indore, Agra and northern India. The corridor is expected to carry substantial volumes of Kumbh-bound traffic originating from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and adjoining states. Recognising its strategic importance, NHAI has accelerated six-laning works on the Gonde–Pimpri Sado section so that enhanced capacity becomes available before the peak Kumbh period. The upgraded highway will also improve access between Nashik and the Samruddhi Mahamarg interchange near Igatpuri.

4. NH-752G and Samruddhi Mahamarg Interface

        Although the Samruddhi Mahamarg is an expressway rather than a National Highway, it has become one of the most influential transportation corridors for Kumbh planning. The expressway establishes high-speed connectivity between Mumbai, Nashik district, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Amravati and Nagpur, thereby substantially reducing travel time for pilgrims from eastern Maharashtra and Vidarbha. Interchanges at Igatpuri and Sinnar provide strategic access to Nashik district, making the expressway a major distribution corridor feeding traffic into NH-60, NH-160 and the Nashik urban road network. Recent government reviews specifically identify the Samruddhi corridor as a key route for managing Kumbh traffic.

5. NH Connectivity to Trimbakeshwar

        Trimbakeshwar, being one of the principal Kumbh destinations and the origin of the Godavari River, receives traffic from all national highway approaches converging at Nashik. Pilgrims arriving through NH-60, NH-160, NH-848 and the Samruddhi Mahamarg are subsequently distributed through the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar road corridor. Recognising the critical role of this route, the Central Government approved dedicated road improvement projects including enhancement of the Trimbakeshwar approach corridor and associated ring-road infrastructure to facilitate movement during the Kumbh period.

6. Nashik Ring Road and Highway Integration

        To prevent through traffic from entering the urban core during peak pilgrimage periods, a major ring-road system is being developed around Nashik. The proposed 66-km ring road will integrate the various National Highway corridors and provide a bypass mechanism for traffic destined for Trimbakeshwar, Saptashrungi, Panchavati, Ozar Airport and other pilgrimage destinations. This infrastructure is intended to function as a traffic distribution network linking all national highway entry points while reducing congestion within city limits. 

Trimbak Parking Radius wise

Spokewise Trimbak and Nashik Outer parking

Beze Contour

Trimbak Area

Road Connectivity Map

Dwaraka Underpass Traffic Diversion

Toposheet Numbers