Joint Inspection of Railway Stations Conducted to Strengthen Simhastha 2027 Preparedness in Nashik
Nashik, 1 April 2026: Nashik Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA) Commissioner Shekhar Singh today led a joint inspection of key railway stations in Nashik district to review preparedness for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027. The inspection was carried out in coordination with the Railway Department and other concerned agencies to assess infrastructure readiness and passenger handling capacity.
The inspection covered Kasbe Sukene, Kherwadi, Odha, and Deolali, where on-ground assessments were undertaken to review existing facilities and identify requirements for augmentation. At Deolali railway station, President, Cantonment Board Deolali, Brigadier N. R. Pandey was also present. Commissioner Shekhar Singh and Brigadier Pandey held detailed discussions on station-area facilities, management requirements, and coordination aspects in view of the upcoming Kumbh Mela.
Senior officials from multiple departments accompanied the inspection, including Railway Senior Divisional Engineer (Kumbh) Manish Singh; Railway Senior Divisional Security Commissioner, Bhusawal, Chitresh Joshi; Inspector, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Nashik, NP Singh; Nashik City Police Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Monica Raut; Sub-Divisional Officer, Nashik, Arpita Thube; Police Inspector, Nashik Rural Police, Bipin Shevale; Divisional Traffic Officer, MSRTC, Kiran Bhosale; representatives from the Nashik District Collector Office; officials from the Regional Transport Office (RTO); and other concerned departments.
During the visit, detailed discussions were held at each station regarding infrastructure gaps, crowd management planning, inter-agency coordination, and last-mile connectivity.
Key focus areas of the inspection included platform capacity enhancement, entry-exit management, passenger amenities, sanitation facilities, drinking water availability, signage systems, and integration with road-based transport services. Officials also reviewed site-specific challenges and explored practical solutions to ensure efficient crowd movement during peak pilgrimage days.
NTKMA Commissioner Shekhar Singh said, “Railway stations will serve as primary entry points for lakhs of devotees during Simhastha 2027. It is therefore critical to ensure robust infrastructure, efficient crowd management systems, and seamless coordination among all agencies. Today’s inspection has helped us identify key needs at the ground level, and we are committed to addressing these in a time-bound manner to provide a safe and smooth travel experience for all pilgrims.”
He further added that such inspections will continue across other locations, and the findings will be systematically incorporated into the comprehensive planning framework for Simhastha 2027.
