Union tourism dept secretary reviews Simhastha prep, focus on global outreach

Nashik: Union tourism secretary Bhuvnesh Kumar on Friday reviewed preparations for the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 at a high-level meeting in Shirdi, focusing on infrastructure, visitor facilities and international outreach.Later, he also visited Nashik city and visited the site where Ram Kal Path project is being developed on the stretch between Ramkund in Godavari river and Kalaram Temple and Seeta Gufa.Chairing the meeting (in Shirdi), Kumar emphasised the need for timely execution and quality in tourism-related projects, including Ram Kal Path initiative in Nashik, which is being developed as a key attraction ahead of the Kumbh Mela.The review meeting focused on developing the mega event into a world-class spiritual, cultural and tourism hub, with discussions centred on infrastructure creation, visitor facilitation, branding and promotion strategies.Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA) commissioner Shekhar Singh made a detailed presentation on the status of preparations, covering proposed infrastructure, ongoing planning and inter-departmental coordination.

Officials discussed setting up of tourism-oriented facilities such as tent city, cultural spaces, interpretation centres, immersive digital experience zones and exhibition areas for pilgrims and visitors.A key highlight was the proposal to develop a ‘kala gram’ or cultural haat to showcase Maharashtra’s traditional arts, crafts and cultural heritage, aimed at enhancing experiential tourism during the Kumbh.The meeting also reviewed measures to improve tourist facilities, including information centres, digital services, multilingual assistance systems and other visitor amenities to ensure a seamless experience for domestic and international pilgrims.Discussions were held on strengthening branding under the Incredible India campaign, promoting tourism circuits, improving connectivity and exploring initiatives such as heli-tourism.Kumar also stressed the capacity building of tourism service providers and the need to adopt best practices from previous Kumbh events to ensure efficient management of the mega gathering.Nashik divisional commissioner and NTKMA chairman Praveen Gedam attended the meeting virtually. Officials from MTDC, the state tourism department and Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust were present.Officials said coordinated efforts between the Centre, state govt and local authorities will be key to delivering a safe, well-managed and globally recognised Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027.During his Nashik visit, he reviewed the on-site progress of the proposed Ram Kal Path project and directed NMC to complete it before the Kumbh begins.The Ram Kal Path project includes development of entire 1.3 km stretch from Ahilyabai Holkar bridge near Ramkund in Godavari river to Kalaram Temple and Seeta Gufa. The project is estimated to cost Rs 145 crore, including Rs 100 crore being funded by the Union ministry of tourism.