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One of Maharashtra's fastest-growing urban hubs, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has launched an Urban Design Cell to bring structure, sustainability, and aesthetic sensibility to civic development. Spearheaded by Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri, the cell comprises experienced architects, town planners, engineers, and heritage conservationists. It is set to guide the city's planning through climate-conscious, pedestrian-friendly, and culturally sensitive design strategies. This development aligns with the Maharashtra government's broader mandate to institutionalize urban design cells across 421 local bodies for more coordinated and future-ready infrastructure growth.
The Nashik Municipal Corporation has officially constituted an Urban Design Cell with the objective of improving city infrastructure through better planning, local aesthetics, and sustainability. Commissioner Manisha Khatri will head the initiative, which brings together professionals from various disciplines, including town planning, architecture, civil engineering, and heritage conservation. Advertisement
The cell includes the deputy director of town planning, heritage expert Smita Kasar, architect Bhalchandra Wavre, structural engineer Deepak Kulkarni, and urban beautification specialist Kiran Chavan. An assistant director from the Town Planning department is also on board, ensuring that both strategic and on-ground perspectives are represented in planning exercises.
Their role will be multifaceted ranging from enhancing pedestrian access and designing cohesive streetscapes, to integrating Nashik's rich architectural character and heritage into future developments. As per civic officials, the team will prepare data-driven proposals for public spaces, street redesigns, and community infrastructure that prioritise sustainability, safety, and accessibility.
This initiative is in line with directives from the Maharashtra state government, which has mandated the formation of Urban Design Cells in 421 urban local bodies, including 28 municipal corporations. These bodies are expected to provide professional oversight in building aesthetics, urban form, and spatial planning, with an emphasis on heritage preservation and climate resilience. In cities like Nashik, where urban growth is accelerating, such planning cells are viewed as crucial instruments in ensuring orderly, future-proof development.
The NMC has already drafted a formal proposal for the cell's operational framework, which is expected to be presented for approval during the upcoming general body meeting. Upon approval, the cell will officially begin operations, contributing expert insights toward long-term urban development projects.
Notably, the cell's creation complements several other ongoing projects in Nashik. Among them is the INR 65 crore road widening plan for the Ram Kal Path, aimed at improving city infrastructure and promoting tourism. Additionally, a pay-and-park system is set to be rolled out across 28 to 35 key locations in the city to address persistent parking issues.
Another major collaboration in the pipeline is with the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), which will support the NMC in creating traffic decongestion strategies ahead of the 2027 Kumbh Mela. Meanwhile, the Nashik Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) is moving ahead with land bank-based planning for peri-urban development, further reinforcing regional infrastructure capacity.
Nashik, with a municipal history that dates back to the 1860s and the formation of its corporation in 1982, has long been known for its blend of religious heritage, natural beauty, and urban promise. With the city set to undergo a transformation in the coming years, the Urban Design Cell is expected to play a central role in preserving Nashik's cultural integrity while enabling thoughtful urban expansion.
Once operational, the cell is expected to deliver actionable master plans for neighborhood-level improvements, walkable streets, and holistic public space designs. It also aims to act as a coordination point between local stakeholders, professionals, and government agencies for timely implementation of projects with public interest at the core.
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