New Delhi, July 25 (UNI) In anticipation of the massive pilgrim turnout during the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha slated for 2027 in Maharashtra, the Railways Ministry has mooted a Rs 1,011 crore integrated infrastructure development plan to be completed within the next two years.
A senior official from the Ministry said, the initiative focuses on enhancing passenger amenities and station capacity at five key locations—Nashik Road, Devlali, Odha, Kherwadi, and Kasbe Sukene.
The comprehensive plan was reviewed recently by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu, who were briefed by senior officials including the General Manager of Central Railway and the Divisional Railway Manager of Bhusaval Division. The review assessed both planning and implementation timelines to ensure timely readiness for the religious congregation.
The official said the preparations are being undertaken on the lines of the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, held earlier this year, and aim to ensure smooth transport operations and crowd management during Simhastha 2027.
According to the Ministry, the development works proposed at the five stations are expected to significantly improve handling capacity and commuter experience. Of the 65 planned infrastructure upgrades, estimates for 33 works have already been sanctioned, with all projects targeted for completion within the next two years.
Talking about the station-wise upgrade, the official said that at Nashik Road, the primary station serving the Simhastha area, extensive improvements are planned. Platform-4 will be made bi-directional, while Platform-1 will be extended to accommodate 24-coach trains. A 12-metre wide foot overbridge (FOB) will be constructed, and the existing goods shed will be repurposed as a holding area.
Stabling lines, enhanced platforms, a new boundary wall, and a dedicated Mela Tower are also part of the plan. Two additional 6-metre wide FOBs are proposed, alongside coach and wagon examination facilities including three stabling lines and two pit lines. A sewage treatment plant is also on the cards, said the official.
Similarly, Odha station will see the construction of an island platform with loop lines, four 6-metre wide FOBs, five new stabling lines, and yard remodelling, along with a long-haul loop line while Kherwadi station will receive a new down platform and two 6-metre wide FOBs, with yard remodeling.
At Kasbe Sukene, platforms will be extended, two new FOBs built, and a common dispatch facility created to improve operational efficiency. At the same time, Devlali, while not detailed in the current brief, is also part of the overall plan and will see similar improvements to manage the expected influx, said the official.
In addition to these station-specific upgrades, the Railways plans to develop a suite of passenger amenities including Covered Over Platforms, new toilets, drinking water facilities, waterproof holding zones, and improved circulating areas. Entry and exit roads, walkways, and passenger information systems will also be upgraded, as per the official.
