Kumbh authority to roll out smart wayfinding system for 2027 mela in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar

Nashik: With preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela gathering pace, the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA) has started work on a scientific signage and wayfinding system aimed at helping lakhs of pilgrims navigate Nashik and Trimbakeshwar efficiently during the mega religious event.

The roadmap for the system was discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by NTKMA commissioner Shekhar Singh, attended by officials from the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), police, PWD, water resources department and technical experts, including international wayfinding specialist Mark Ross.

Reviewing past experiences from the 2015 Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela and the recent Prayagraj Mahakumbh, officials stressed on the need for a structured, globally benchmarked system to ensure smooth crowd movement and traffic management.

“The signage network should be so clear and intuitive that visitors do not need to ask for directions. It should be simple, multilingual and easily understandable, especially for first-time pilgrims,” Singh said.

The proposed plan includes both temporary and permanent signage guiding visitors to ghats, temples, parking areas, transport hubs and public facilities. Authorities are focusing on clear, standardised and multilingual displays for ease of understanding by domestic and international devotees.

Discussions also covered integrating signage with traffic systems and pedestrian movement planning, with an emphasis on adopting international best practices used in large-scale events.

As part of the next phase, NTKMA, along with civic bodies and the police, will conduct joint site surveys across Nashik city and Trimbakeshwar town to identify key locations for installations and finalise the system blueprint.

Officials said the initiative is aimed at ensuring a seamless, safe and hassle-free experience for millions of pilgrims expected at the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela.