Pune: Bhimashankar Development Fast-Tracked for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027
Pune, 18th December 2025: Anticipating a significant rise in pilgrim inflow during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 at Trimbakeshwar in Nashik district, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi has directed all concerned departments to plan and complete development works at Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar within fixed timelines, while maintaining high standards of quality, durability, and devotee safety.
The directions were issued during a review meeting on the Bhimashankar Development Plan, focusing on crowd management and pilgrim facilities, held at the District Collector’s Office. Senior officials present included Resident Deputy Collector Jyoti Kadam, PWD Superintending Engineer Bharatkumar Baviskar, District Planning Officer Kiran Indalkar, Pune Rural Police DySP Dilip Shinde, Assistant Director of Archaeology Dr Vilas Vahane, trustees of Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar, and representatives from various departments.
Collector Dudi stressed the need for regular coordination meetings among the revenue, police, public works department, and temple trust to review progress and ensure smooth execution of projects. He instructed the police department to submit a comprehensive traffic and crowd management plan, prepared in consultation with temple authorities. He further directed officials to obtain all necessary permissions at the earliest and to establish a dedicated control room to monitor operations during peak pilgrimage periods.
Officials were instructed to conduct detailed road surveys covering all pilgrim access routes and prepare accurate cost estimates for required works. The water supply department was directed to ensure adequate drinking water facilities, while a revised Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) plan is to be prepared and submitted for approval. The Collector also ordered the expedited completion of the devotee amenities centre and vehicle parking facility at Nigdale, and instructed departments to identify alternative locations for setting up a tent city for pilgrims, ensuring that parking areas are excluded from such planning.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing and proposed development and beautification works at several important historical, cultural, and religious sites, including:
- Memorials at Tulapur and Wadu Budruk linked to the martyrdom of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj - Malojiraje Bhosale Fort and Hazrat Chand Shahwali Baba Dargah - Jejuri Fort pilgrimage complex and Rajmata Saibai memorial - Sant Jagnade Maharaj Samadhi, Sadumbare - Tiger Point and Lions Point, Kurwande - Development of the birthplace of martyr Shivram Hari Rajguru - Renovation works at Ashtavinayak Ganpati temples
Collector Dudi instructed officials to complete pending land acquisition, ensure all works are finished before the onset of the monsoon, and prepare post-completion maintenance plans. He also directed the removal of encroachments wherever required to facilitate smooth development. Emphasising inter-departmental coordination, the Collector stated that all works must be carried out in a manner that ensures maximum convenience and safety for devotees, without disruption to religious activities.
Officials from various departments presented status updates and future action plans during the meeting.
