Nashik's Gangapur Road Traffic Relief Plan Ahead of Kumbh Mela

The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has put forth a proposal to widen a vital parallel road, running along the right bank canal, from Mahatma Nagar to Badan Phata. This project, spanning 4.5 kilometers, intends to expand the current 9-meter width to 15 meters, bolstering road infrastructure. The primary objective is to divert a significant portion of traffic from the heavily congested Gangapur Road, a critical arterial stretch in Nashik city.

Funding for this endeavor, estimated at Rs66 crore, has been requested from the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA) as part of the preparations for the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela. Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri confirmed the submission of the proposal, highlighting its importance in easing vehicular flow, particularly during busy periods. The widening is expected to significantly reduce pressure on Gangapur Road, which has seen a surge in traffic volume due to rapid urbanization and increased residential development in western Nashik.

The current state of Gangapur Road is marked by constant traffic jams, exacerbated by numerous educational institutions, hospitals, commercial establishments, and its role as a gateway to popular tourist destinations. The lack of service roads, limited parking, and roadside encroachments further compound the problem. By developing the parallel canal road, officials anticipate improved connectivity and mobility for residents, creating a more even traffic distribution ahead of the significant religious gathering.