Maharashtra preps for 21-month Kumbh Mela with AI crowd tech

Maharashtra kickstarts massive preparations for the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik with AI surveillance, smart crowd management, and ₹6,000 crore infrastructure upgrades. Discover how India is building its first-ever Digital Kumbh.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has accelerated preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027, set to be one of the world’s largest gatherings. During a high-level review meeting at Sahyadri Guest House, Mumbai, he directed officials to fast-track key infrastructure projects, including:

• Nashik Ring Road construction
• Land acquisition for Sadhu Gram Tent City
• Upgraded facilities at airports and railway stations

Fadnavis emphasized that the Kumbh Mela is not just a religious event but a symbol of India’s ancient cultural heritage, assuring that Godavari River waters at Ramkund and other sacred ghats will remain pollution-free throughout the event.

AI, AR & VR to Power India’s First-Ever Digital Kumbh

Maharashtra is planning a technology-driven Kumbh, including AI-based surveillance and crowd/traffic management, with AR/VR support and a centralised command setup. A 7-member committee has been constituted to implement these digital solutions and coordinate connectivity.

Manage the massive influx of devotees, the government is implementing a technology-driven crowd control system using:

• AI-based surveillance to detect congestion zones
• Centralized command center with live CCTV feeds
• Real-time alerts for crowd and traffic movement
• AR/VR-guided navigation for pilgrims

A seven-member technical committee has been formed to oversee deployment in collaboration with telecom providers for uninterrupted connectivity.

Sadhu gram land: new 50% cash + 50% TDR model

For developing Sadhu gram at Tapovan, the Nashik Municipal Corporation proposed a compensation model: 50% cash and 50% Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) to acquire ~268 hectares. A ₹1,000-crore outlay for land acquisition has been noted in Kumbh planning discussions.

₹6,000 Crore Mega Budget & Longest Kumbh in History

The government has already floated tenders worth ₹4,000 crore, with an additional ₹2,000 crore in progress.

The Kumbh Mela will span 21 months, starting October 31, 2026, with three major Amrit Snans in August & September 2027, concluding July 24, 2028 — making it one of the longest Kumbh events ever recorded.

Sanitation & civic works scale up

NMC plans 17,000 mobile toilets (vs ~6,900 in 2015) at an estimated ₹45 crore, part of a broader ₹15,000-crore Kumbh plan submitted to the state; ₹3,200 crore has been approved for initial works.

Note on budgets: Multiple figures exist across planning stages; this article includes only those stated in the cited reports (e.g., ₹15,000-crore plan submitted; ₹3,200 crore approved for initial works).

Dates locked: start, snans & closing

Festival begins (Dhwaj Stambh): October 31, 2026

Amrit/Shahi Snan key dates: August 2, 2027 (first), August 31, 2027 (second), September 11–12, 2027 (third)

Closing (flag lowering): July 24, 2028
These dates have been publicly indicated by the CM and local sources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When will the Kumbh Mela 2027 start and end?

It will begin on October 31, 2026, and conclude on July 24, 2028, lasting 21 months.

2. What makes the 2027 Kumbh Mela special?

This will be India’s first Digital Kumbh, featuring AI-powered crowd management, VR navigation, and real-time surveillance systems.

3. How much budget has been allocated for preparations?

A total of ₹6,000 crore has been committed for land, infrastructure, sanitation, and technology solutions.

4. What is Sadhu Gram and why is land being acquired for it?

Sadhu Gram will serve as a dedicated tent city for saints and religious sects, requiring 268 hectares of land.

5. How will the government ensure smooth connectivity during the event?

The state will collaborate with telecom companies to guarantee uninterrupted mobile network and emergency communication services.

6. What did the CM direct in the latest review meeting?
To speed up the Nashik Ring Road and accelerate Sadhu gram land acquisition, along with ensuring clean river water and readiness at key facilities.

7. Will AI be used for crowd management?
Yes. Maharashtra has outlined AI-based surveillance and AR/VR support; a 7-member committee is tasked with execution.

8. What is the compensation model for Sadhu gram land?
50% cash + 50% TDR for acquiring ~268 hectares at Tapovan (proposal by NMC).

9. How big is the sanitation plan?
NMC plans 17,000 mobile toilets (~₹45 crore), part of a larger ₹15,000-crore plan with ₹3,200 crore approved for initial works.