Ram Kal Path work picks up pace with focus on heritage conservation, pilgrim comfort

Nashik: NMC commissioner Manisha Khatri said on Friday that 50% of the works for the Ram Kal Path project have been completed.Khatri said, "We have set Dec 2026 as the deadline for completing the Ram Kal Path project. So far, around 50% of the total project is complete. Given the scale of the project and the importance of the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, it is an ambitious initiative. The civic body is committed to ensure the work is finished within the timeline."She added that the structural components of the project would be completed before the onset of the monsoon, while the cladding and finishing works would be taken up after the monsoon season.The Ram Kal Path project is aimed at conserving Nashik's heritage character. The project covers the core pilgrimage zone from Ramkund on Godavari river to Kalaram Temple and Sita Gufa, along with adjoining heritage precincts in Panchavati. Officials said the heritage‑led initiative seeks to upgrade public facilities and pilgrim infrastructure without disturbing the existing urban fabric.The Ram Kal Path project has an estimated cost of Rs111 crore, including Rs99 crore funded under the Centre's Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme and Rs 12 crore raised through NMC's Clean Godavari bonds.Under the project, conservation and restoration of heritage structures, façade restoration and renewal of urban elements along the Ramkund Road and Ram Kal Path route will be undertaken at a cost of Rs 23 crore. This includes temple restoration and heritage‑themed façade treatment in old Panchavati areas.Additionally, development works worth Rs84 crore are being carried out from Ahilyabai Holkar bridge to Kalaram Temple via Ramkund. These include ghat development, entrance gates, street development, lighting works, tree plantation, stone sculptures and wall paintings.Civic officials said the works also include improved pedestrian‑friendly pathways, upgraded ghats, sanitation facilities and organized public spaces. The project is targeted for completion by December 2026.The design approach is rooted in traditional Maratha architectural principles, with an emphasis on simplicity, proportion and the use of local materials, while avoiding excessive ornamentation to ensure new interventions blend with the heritage setting. Designated vending zones, improved crowd circulation, accessibility features and sustainability measures have been integrated to enhance pilgrim safety and comfort.Designated vending zones have been planned to support local livelihoods while ensuring unobstructed movement. Where structures were removed for project execution, project‑affected residents have been provided alternative housing through a public‑private partnership model using construction TDR."Where redevelopment was unavoidable, the project-affected residents have been provided alternative housing through a PPP model using construction TDR. The project has been designed to serve the requirements of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela as well as the everyday needs of citizens," added Khatri.NTKMA commissioner Shekhar Singh said, "With preparations underway for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027, the focus is on creating infrastructure capable of handling large pilgrim footfall while remaining sensitive to Nashik's heritage character. The design approach ensures that development complements the city's cultural identity rather than disrupting it.