Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Nashik Civic Chief Defends ₹5,000-Crore Kumbh Infrastructure Projects
Nashik is building many roads and other facilities for the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
The projects together are expected to cost about ₹5,000 crore.
Nashik Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri says the work is being done transparently and carefully.
Some people have questioned the quality, tenders and spending.
Khatri asked critics to show a specific mistake if they find one.
She said the tender documents are available online for everyone to inspect.
An IIT Bombay team also inspected some road work.
Khatri said the projects should be finished on time and meet the required standards.
Nashik Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri defended approximately ₹5,000 crore in infrastructure projects planned for the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
She challenged critics to identify any specific error in the tendering process or execution, saying she would “change her name” if one was found.
The civic body is developing 29 major roads at an estimated cost of ₹1,230 crore, alongside water and sewage projects.
Khatri said tender documents are available on the Nashik Municipal Corporation website for public scrutiny.
She cited an inspection by an IIT Bombay team, saying experts appreciated the road construction standards and technical quality.
- Who
- Nashik Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri and the Nashik Municipal Corporation are overseeing the projects, while critics and political opponents have questioned them.
- What
- The civic administration is undertaking approximately ₹5,000 crore in roads, water supply, sewage and other infrastructure works and defending their quality and transparency.
- When
- The projects are being undertaken ahead of the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
- Where
- The works are being carried out in Nashik, with pilgrims also expected in Trimbakeshwar during the event.
- Why
- The infrastructure is intended to prepare Nashik and Trimbakeshwar for a large influx of pilgrims during the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
Municipal Administration
Critics and Political Opponents
Project quality
Municipal Administration
Manisha Khatri said quality is being strictly monitored and that the administration has not compromised on construction standards.
Critics and Political Opponents
Critics have questioned the quality of construction and asked whether the works meet appropriate standards.
Tendering and transparency
Municipal Administration
Khatri said tender documents are publicly available online and challenged anyone to identify a specific error in the process.
Critics and Political Opponents
Critics and political circles have raised questions about the tendering procedures and the transparency of the projects.
Spending and oversight
Municipal Administration
Khatri cited the IIT Bombay inspection and said the expert team appreciated the standards of the road works.
Critics and Political Opponents
Questions have been raised on social media and in political circles about the expenditure on the approximately ₹5,000-crore program.
- Total project value
- Approximately ₹5,000 crore
- Major roads
- 29 roads under development
- Estimated road cost
- ₹1,230 crore
- Tender transparency
- Tender documents have been uploaded on the Nashik Municipal Corporation website.
- Road specifications
- Concrete strength specifications range from M-40 to M-60, depending on project requirements.
- External inspection
- A team from IIT Bombay inspected ongoing road works.
- Target event
- 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela