NTKMA reviews MSRTC bus operations, connectivity plan for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027
Nashik, August 5
The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority on Wednesday convened a review meeting on MSRTC bus operations and transport planning for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 under the chairmanship of NTKMA Commissioner Shekhar Singh.
For the meeting Managing Director of MSRTC Dr Madhav Kusekar along with senior officials from the Transport Department, Railways, Police, Nashik Municipal Corporation, Citilink and other stakeholder agencies were present to discuss bus operations, connectivity and mobility planning for the forthcoming Kumbh Mela.
The meeting reviewed proposals relating to bus operations across major pilgrimage corridors, including Nashik-Trimbakeshwar, Ahilyanagar-Shirdi, Shirdi-Shani Shingnapur, Bhimashankar, Taked, Saptashrungi, Grishneshwar and Kavnai. Discussions covered route planning, fleet deployment, service frequency during peak and non-peak periods, and operational strategies for facilitating pilgrim movement.
Officials also deliberated on proposals for enhancing connectivity between Nashik Airport, railway stations and key pilgrimage destinations. The discussions included the feasibility of direct MSRTC services to major religious destinations, integration of bus schedules with flight and train arrivals and departures, identification of bus stop locations, passenger amenities, and the operation and maintenance framework for transport infrastructure at airports and railway stations.
The meeting further reviewed Origin-Destination (OD)-based assessment of bus demand, infrastructure requirements at parking areas and railway station zones, as well as planning for passenger pick-up and drop-off facilities, circulation management and terminal arrangements to support high-volume bus operations during Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027.
The meeting also decided to explore the use of short audio-visual awareness videos on shuttle buses operating between outer parking areas and the inner parking zones. These videos will be designed to familiarise pilgrims with important routes, key pilgrimage locations, safety protocols, emergency helpline numbers, transport facilities and other essential information, thereby enhancing awareness and ensuring a more informed and seamless travel experience during Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027.
Concluding the meeting, Commissioner Shekhar Singh directed all concerned departments to examine the proposals in detail and incorporate the suggestions received during the deliberations. It was decided that a follow-up review meeting will be held after 15 days to assess the progress made, resolve pending issues and further strengthen the transport planning for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The audio-visual awareness videos on shuttle buses is a brilliant idea! Many elderly pilgrims get confused about routes and terminals. This will definitely help them travel with confidence. Hope they also include Marathi and Hindi versions, not just English.
MSRTC needs to seriously upgrade their fleet before 2027. The current buses are old and breakdown frequently on ghat sections. Also, why is there no mention of electric buses? Every other state is moving towards green transport for such mega events.
Living in Nashik, I can tell you the parking situation during Kumbh is a nightmare. Good that they're focusing on outer parking areas and shuttle connectivity. But please also think about the local residents who get stuck in traffic for hours during that period! 😅
The integration with Nashik Airport connectivity is crucial. Many NRI devotees and domestic pilgrims prefer flying in. However, the airport is quite small - hope they have plans to handle the additional rush. Also, railway station to Trimbakeshwar direct buses should be made available 24/7 during the Mela period.
As someone who attended the last Simhastha Kumbh, I really hope they improve the bus frequency between Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur. That route gets extremely congested. The idea of coordinating with Railways is good, but they should also consider temporary bus stands near major ghats for elderly pilgrims.
One suggestion - they should learn from
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