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The Nashik Municipal Corporation has proposed an ADB loan of INR 1,000 crore to strengthen the city's infrastructure ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. It builds on a broader INR 15,000 crore plan submitted to the state government, of which INR 3,270 crore has already been approved. The loan will be backed by the state and directed toward a complete sewage network, flood control, and stormwater drainage. The civic body also plans to raise INR 400 crore through municipal and green bonds. Earlier rounds of funding, motivations, and infrastructure pressures add deeper context to these preparations.
The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has proposed raising INR 1,000 crore through the Asian Development Bank to finance infrastructure development for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which is scheduled between 2026 and 2028. The loan repayment will be backed by the state government, following a proposal submitted by NMC to the urban development department. Advertisement
This step is part of a larger INR 15,000 crore plan placed before the state government to prepare the city for the massive congregation. Out of this, the Kumbh Mela Authority has already sanctioned INR 3,270 crore, and major works under this package are expected to be carried out in phases over the next two years. The ADB loan will mainly cover projects aimed at building a comprehensive sewerage network, ensuring 100 percent sewage collection and treatment, strengthening stormwater drainage to prevent road flooding, and implementing flood control measures.
In addition to the loan, the civic body is planning to raise INR 400 crore through municipal bonds and green bonds to supplement funding for projects linked to the Kumbh Mela. These funds will add to the resources needed for extensive upgrades.
Nashik had a similar experience in the 2015 Kumbh Mela, when the state approved an INR 1,050 crore package for NMC. At that time, the civic body raised INR 250 crore through loans from public sector banks to bridge the funding gap. Learning from that, the current preparations are being designed with larger financial backing and broader infrastructure coverage.
Work has also begun on parallel projects. For instance, the civic body started tendering a water supply scheme worth INR 440 crore earlier this year. This project aims to add 250 million litres per day of water capacity by increasing supply from the Mukane dam, along with laying new pipelines and building a treatment plant.
Separately, NMC has introduced a new compensation model for acquiring land in Tapovan, which will be developed into a sadhugram during the festival. For the required 268 hectares, the proposed package offers 50 percent in cash and 50 percent in Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), payable in four installments. This land acquisition plan, estimated at INR 1,000 crore, is expected to be reviewed further with state leadership.
Through this combined financing model, Nashik is preparing not just for the upcoming Kumbh but also for longer-term urban improvements that will benefit the city well after the event concludes.
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