Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Shinde arrived at the cremation ground in Baramati to pay their respects during the funeral of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who tragically died in a plane crash.

Ajit Parwar Funeral: Maharashtra CM Fadnavis, DY CM Shinde Reach Cremation Ground

The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar are being performed in Baramati with full state honours following his tragic death in a plane crash.


Ajit Pawar Funeral: Last Rites Being Performed with Full State Honours

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar tragically died in a plane crash while traveling to Baramati to attend a public rally. Authorities are investigating the incident, and political leaders have expressed their condolences.


Ajit Pawar plane crash: Sharad Pawar turns emotional, says keep politics out of Ajit Pawar's death 

Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: Maharashtra's Political Stalwart & NCP Leader Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash

Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: Why Ajit Pawar's Plane Crashed? All About The Crashed Jet 

Baramati Plane Crash: Maharashtra DY CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash

Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: DGCA Confirms No Survivors in Baramati Plane Crash 

Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: PM Modi to Attend Last Rites of Maharashtra Deputy CM in Baramati

Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: Last Picture Of Ajit Pawar Before Crash Accessed 

Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: DGCA Confirms No Survivors In Baramati Plane Crash

Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: PM Modi Remembers Pawar As 'Leader Of The People' 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced key MoUs with Indian and Russian firms to develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to meet the state’s future electricity demand, especially for data centres and industry. 


Maharashtra Signs Key MoUs With Indian & Russian Companies

Maharashtra became the first Indian state to pursue small modular reactors (SMRs), with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announcing MoUs signed at Davos 2026 with an Indian government firm and a Russian company to meet surging electricity demands from data centers and industry. 


Davos 2026: Maharashtra First Indian State for Small Modular Reactors 

Davos Week is in full swing in Switzerland, and Maharashtra isn’t just shaking hands — it’s closing deals and firming up some major plans. After a blockbuster opening day at the World Economic Forum, the state’s delegation returned to packed meeting rooms, more handshakes and fresh investment conversations, signalling that the momentum is very much intact.&nbsp;On the first day, Maharashtra announced investment commitments worth around Rs 14.5 lakh crore. Led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra has been in full pitch mode — selling its growth story, industrial muscle and long-term stability to global investors who are scanning Asia for their next big bet.&nbsp;Officials say while Day 1 was about big headline numbers, Day 2 focused on deepening commitments and widening the net. One of the key takeaways from the second day was the growing interest in non-metro Maharashtra. A major steel expansion in Gadchiroli stood out, with Surjagad Ispat stepping up its investment plans and doubling down on production capacity.&nbsp;For the state, this wasn’t just another MoU — it was a signal that investors are finally looking beyond Mumbai and Pune, towards resource-rich but underdeveloped districts. One of the standout developments was Maharashtra’s unveiling of the first city of its ambitious “Third Mumbai” project — Raigad–Pen.&nbsp;This new business district is being pitched like a next-generation urban hub, similar to Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), with plans to attract high-paying jobs and big global investors. The day also saw intense discussions around technology, innovation and knowledge partnerships. Instead of only chasing capital, Maharashtra pitched itself as a destination for collaboration — from advanced manufacturing and data centres to clean energy and research ecosystems. Meetings with global universities and technology leaders were aimed at bringing ideas, talent and problem-solving skills back to the state, not just money.&nbsp;Fadnavis repeatedly stressed that Davos is not about quick wins. “These are long-term relationships,” officials said, adding that many of the deals announced will unfold over the next decade, creating jobs and supply chains along the way. The focus, they insist, is on investments that actually land on the ground — not just sign on paper.&nbsp;Back home, Maharashtra’s political churn hasn’t gone unnoticed, but at Davos, the pitch remained steady: policy continuity, fast approvals and a state machinery that understands scale.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-substantially-larger-gifts-us-ambassador-to-singapore-faces-backlash-over-fundraising-for-july-4-celebrations-1768987748775">'Substantially larger gifts': US Ambassador to Singapore faces backlash over fundraising for July 4 celebrations</a>

After a blockbuster opening day at the World Economic Forum, the state’s delegation returned to packed meeting rooms, more handshakes and fresh investment conversations, signalling that the momentum is very much intact.

Davos Week is in full swing in Switzerland, and Maharashtra isn’t just shaking hands — it’s closing deals and firming up some major plans. After a blockbuster opening day at the World Economic Forum, the state’s delegation returned to packed meeting rooms, more handshakes and fresh investment conversations, signalling that the momentum is very much intact. On the first day, Maharashtra announced investment commitments worth around Rs 14.5 lakh crore. Led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra has been in full pitch mode — selling its growth story, industrial muscle and long-term stability to global investors who are scanning Asia for their next big bet. Officials say while Day 1 was about big headline numbers, Day 2 focused on deepening commitments and widening the net. One of the key takeaways from the second day was the growing interest in non-metro Maharashtra. A major steel expansion in Gadchiroli stood out, with Surjagad Ispat stepping up its investment plans and doubling down on production capacity. For the state, this wasn’t just another MoU — it was a signal that investors are finally looking beyond Mumbai and Pune, towards resource-rich but underdeveloped districts. One of the standout developments was Maharashtra’s unveiling of the first city of its ambitious “Third Mumbai” project — Raigad–Pen. This new business district is being pitched like a next-generation urban hub, similar to Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), with plans to attract high-paying jobs and big global investors. The day also saw intense discussions around technology, innovation and knowledge partnerships. Instead of only chasing capital, Maharashtra pitched itself as a destination for collaboration — from advanced manufacturing and data centres to clean energy and research ecosystems. Meetings with global universities and technology leaders were aimed at bringing ideas, talent and problem-solving skills back to the state, not just money. Fadnavis repeatedly stressed that Davos is not about quick wins. “These are long-term relationships,” officials said, adding that many of the deals announced will unfold over the next decade, creating jobs and supply chains along the way. The focus, they insist, is on investments that actually land on the ground — not just sign on paper. Back home, Maharashtra’s political churn hasn’t gone unnoticed, but at Davos, the pitch remained steady: policy continuity, fast approvals and a state machinery that understands scale. Also read: 'Substantially larger gifts': US Ambassador to Singapore faces backlash over fundraising for July 4 celebrations

After a blockbuster opening day at the World Economic Forum, the state’s delegation returned to packed meeting rooms, more handshakes and fresh investment conversations, signalling that the momentum is very much intact.

From MoUs to mega plans: Maharashtra’s Davos run continues

The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has proposed a 'split term' formula, demanding the Mumbai Mayor's position for the first 2.5 years of the five-year term. The party is reportedly keen on holding the civic office to coincide with the birth centenary year of Balasaheb Thackeray.

Reports: Eknath Shinde Seeks Mayor's Post For 2.5 Years For His Party

Counting for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election is underway, with results slated to be declared later today. According to early trends, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS (Raj Thackeray) took the lead, with the Thackeray brothers making a strong push in the first hour of the vote counting. Meanwhile, the BJP and Shiv Sena have also made a strong start. 

BMC Election: Trends Suggest BJP-Shiv Sena Alliance Surge; Thackeray Brothers Lag Behind 

Voting is underway across Maharashtra in elections to 29 civic bodies, marking a key test for political parties at the local level.


Maharashtra civic polls: Battle for India's richest corporation underway in Mumbai 

Voting is underway across Maharashtra in elections to 29 civic bodies, marking a key test for political parties at the local level.

Maharashtra Civic Polls: Voting Held in 29 Bodies, Votes to Be Counted Jan 16

Maharashtra tops NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index 2024, followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Check the top export-ready states and what drives their performance.

Maharashtra tops NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index 2024, followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Check the top export-ready states and what drives their performance.

NITI Aayog Export Preparedness Index: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat lead India

India: Maharashtra Voting Underway In 29 Civic Bodies 

Voting in 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra began on Thursday (January 15, 2026) morning with spotlight on Mumbai, where the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is locked in an intense battle with the reunited Thackeray cousins for control of India’s largest and richest civic body.

Maharashtra: Voting Underway in 29 Civic Bodies | Mumbai Police Tighten Security Ahead of BMC Polls 

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has ignited a new row while campaigning for Maharashtra civic elections by stating that he dreams of the day when a hijab-clad woman will become the prime minister of India. Addressing a rally in Solapur, the AIMIM president said, “The constitution of Pakistan clearly states that a person belonging to only one religion can become the prime minister of the country. Baba Sahib’s (BR Ambedkar’s) constitution says that any citizen of India can become prime minister, chief minister, or mayor. It is my dream that a day will come when a hijab-clad daughter will become the prime minister of this country.”&nbsp;Targeting rivals, Owaisi added, “The hate that you are spreading against Muslims, this will not go on for long. Those who spread hate will come to an end. When love becomes common, then they will realise how people’s mind was poisoned.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Solapur, Maharashtra | AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi yesterday said,&quot; The constitution of Pakistan clearly states that a person belonging to only one religion can become the Prime Minister of the country. Baba Sahib&#39;s constitution says that any citizen of India can… <a href="https://t.co/5hIqToOxri">pic.twitter.com/5hIqToOxri</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2009874359331303722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;“We may not be around to witness the day, but a day will come when this will be possible,” Owaisi further said to a thunderous applause. Owaisi’s remarks drew sharp responses from BJP and Shiv Sena leaders.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-s-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-wants-us-to-kidnap-netanyahu-after-maduro-capture-watch-1767982088543">Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif wants US to ‘kidnap’ Netanyahu after Maduro capture | Watch</a><h2>‘Go to Islamabad or Karachi’</h2>&nbsp;Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane retorted that those harbouring such dreams should go to Islamabad or Karachi.&nbsp;“Asaduddin Owaisi shouldn’t be so audacious in a Hindu rashtra. 90% of our population are Hindus. No woman wearing a hijab or burka can become the prime minister or mayor in Mumbai. Those aspiring to be one can go to Islamabad or Karachi. They have no place here,” said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-trump-s-hands-stained-with-the-blood-of-iranians-some-rioters-want-to-please-him-says-khamenei-amid-death-to-america-chants-1767956396834">‘Trump’s hands stained with the blood of Iranians, some rioters want to please him,’ says Khamenei amid ‘Death to America’ chants</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘Don’t try to become local version of Mamdani’</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>BJP leader Shehzad Poonawala also reacted to the comment and dared Owaisi to elect a burqa-clad woman or a ‘Pasmanda’ Muslim as the president of his party first.“Owaisi miya, there is no restriction in the Constitution on whether the Prime Minister should be someone wearing a hijab or not. Anyone can become Prime Minister, but first, win votes. Before dreaming of becoming Prime Minister, Owaisi miya, why don’t you first make a hijab-wearing woman, a burqa-clad woman, or at least someone from the Pasmanda community the president of your own party?” said Poonawala.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Delhi: BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala says, &#39;&#39;Owaisi Miya, there is no restriction in the Constitution on whether the Prime Minister should be someone who wears a hijab or not. Anyone can become Prime Minister, but first, win the votes. Before dreaming of becoming Prime… <a href="https://t.co/ROFUedD0Ux">pic.twitter.com/ROFUedD0Ux</a>&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://twitter.com/ians_india/status/2009875965913252268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;“Stop this lecture on secularism...Don’t try to become a version of (Zohran) Mamdani here. In Maharashtra, especially in BMC, only a Hindu-Marathi will become the mayor,” the BJP spokesperson asserted.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-khamenei-is-looking-to-go-someplace-says-trump-as-protests-intensify-in-iran-1767963290206">‘Khamenei is looking to go someplace,’ says Trump as protests intensify in Iran</a>&nbsp;Union Minister and BJP leader Giriraj Singh also slammed the AIMIM chief.“Owaisi, if you have ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ in your mind, then listen carefully: because of the Congress party’s mistakes and its politics of appeasement, whatever happened in the past will not be allowed to happen again in this country. There will be no second Pakistan formed here. The Constitution will prevail, and the rule of law will be enforced,” said Singh.&nbsp;<h2>‘No vacancy for the PM’s post,’ says Shiv Sena</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC said there is “no vacancy for the Prime Minister’s post”.“Asaduddin Owaisi, there is no vacancy for the Prime Minister’s post. Narendra Modi’s popularity is known to one and all,” Shaina said adding that leadership should be based on performance and popular mandate, not caste, creed, or community.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-family-rift-sorted-maharashtra-dy-cm-ajit-pawar-says-both-ncp-factions-together-now-1767985188657">‘Family rift sorted’: Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar says both NCP factions ‘together’ now</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘India’s PM will always be a Hindu’: Assam CM Himanta</h2>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">VIDEO | Reacting to AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi’s reported remark, “I want to see a hijab-clad woman becoming the PM of the country,” Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma (<a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@himantabiswa</a>) says, “Constitutionally, there is no bar on anyone becoming the Prime Minister. But India is a Hindu… <a href="https://t.co/eA2XHaaHN3">pic.twitter.com/eA2XHaaHN3</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/2009903604333719575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Reacting to the statement, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised Owaisi, asserting that India is a Hindu nation and that the country’s Prime Minister will always be a Hindu. However, Sarma acknowledged that constitutionally there is no restriction on anyone becoming Prime Minister.

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawala dared AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi to elect a burqa-clad woman or a ‘Pasmanda’ Muslim as the president of his party first. He also asked Owaisi to stop lecturing on secularism and not to try becoming a local version of (Zohran) Mamdani.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has ignited a new row while campaigning for Maharashtra civic elections by stating that he dreams of the day when a hijab-clad woman will become the prime minister of India. Addressing a rally in Solapur, the AIMIM president said, “The constitution of Pakistan clearly states that a person belonging to only one religion can become the prime minister of the country. Baba Sahib’s (BR Ambedkar’s) constitution says that any citizen of India can become prime minister, chief minister, or mayor. It is my dream that a day will come when a hijab-clad daughter will become the prime minister of this country.” Targeting rivals, Owaisi added, “The hate that you are spreading against Muslims, this will not go on for long. Those who spread hate will come to an end. When love becomes common, then they will realise how people’s mind was poisoned.”

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawala dared AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi to elect a burqa-clad woman or a ‘Pasmanda’ Muslim as the president of his party first. He also asked Owaisi to stop lecturing on secularism and not to try becoming a local version of (Zohran) Mamdani.

Owaisi shares dream of hijab-clad PM; BJP says, ‘Don’t try to become local Mamdani’

Maharashtra gears up for municipal elections across 29 corporations, including BMC, on January 15, 2026, with BJP and Congress leaders reportedly aligning for local polls amid internal party tensions. 

BJP-Congress Pact Rocks Maharashtra Municipal Polls

Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan has remained firm in his stance following the backlash over his comments about Operation Sindoor, saying that he has ‘nothing to apologise for’. The former Chief Minister of Maharashtra stirred controversy earlier this week during a speech in Pune, where he claimed that India had suffered a defeat on the very first day of Operation Sindoor, which was launched in May in retaliation for the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22.&nbsp;Chavan, in an interview with NDTV, stood by his words, saying, “I won't apologize… I haven't said anything wrong, and I don’t need to. There's no reason for an apology.” He emphasised that he had made no incorrect statement and didn’t want to add more on the matter at this point. Chavan had said that Indian fighter jets were downed by Pakistani forces on May 7, marking the first day of Operation Sindoor. He added, “On that day, we were completely defeated. The aerial engagement that lasted for 30 minutes led to the destruction of our aircraft. The Indian Air Force was grounded and no aircraft could take off from bases like Gwalior, Bathinda, or Sirsa due to the high risk of being shot down by Pakistan."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-shocker-man-kills-wife-daughters-over-not-wearing-burqa-buries-bodies-at-home-says-police-1765968660507">Uttar Pradesh shocker: Man kills wife, daughters over not wearing Burqa; buries bodies at home, says police</a>&nbsp;This military operation followed Indian airstrikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, during which India claimed to have neutralizsd over 100 terrorists. The three-day conflict concluded on May 10 when Pakistan requested a ceasefire.<h2>BJP hits back at Prithviraj Chavan</h2>The BJP has strongly criticised Chavan's remarks. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla led the charge, accusing Congress and its leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, of displaying an "anti-army" mentality by not acting against leaders making such statements. Poonawalla told news agency ANI, “Insulting the Army has become a hallmark of the Congress… Rahul Gandhi has made similar comments, and that reflects his mindset. Congress does nothing to address these statements.” In response, the Congress distanced itself from Chavan’s comments. Sukhdeo Bhagat, a Congress MP from Jharkhand, expressed the party's unwavering support for the Indian Army and the government’s fight against terrorism. He remarked to NDTV, "Prithviraj Chavan can reveal his sources, but Congress stands by the Army. We fully support the government's actions against terrorism and Pakistan."

Former Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan stands by controversial remarks on Operation Sindoor, refuses apology

Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan has remained firm in his stance following the backlash over his comments about Operation Sindoor, saying that he has ‘nothing to apologise for’. The former Chief Minister of Maharashtra stirred controversy earlier this week during a speech in Pune, where he claimed that India had suffered a defeat on the very first day of Operation Sindoor, which was launched in May in retaliation for the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. Chavan, in an interview with NDTV, stood by his words, saying, “I won't apologize… I haven't said anything wrong, and I don’t need to. There's no reason for an apology.” He emphasised that he had made no incorrect statement and didn’t want to add more on the matter at this point. Chavan had said that Indian fighter jets were downed by Pakistani forces on May 7, marking the first day of Operation Sindoor. He added, “On that day, we were completely defeated. The aerial engagement that lasted for 30 minutes led to the destruction of our aircraft. The Indian Air Force was grounded and no aircraft could take off from bases like Gwalior, Bathinda, or Sirsa due to the high risk of being shot down by Pakistan." Also Read: Uttar Pradesh shocker: Man kills wife, daughters over not wearing Burqa; buries bodies at home, says police This military operation followed Indian airstrikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, during which India claimed to have neutralizsd over 100 terrorists. The three-day conflict concluded on May 10 when Pakistan requested a ceasefire. BJP hits back at Prithviraj Chavan The BJP has strongly criticised Chavan's remarks. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla led the charge, accusing Congress and its leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, of displaying an "anti-army" mentality by not acting against leaders making such statements. Poonawalla told news agency ANI, “Insulting the Army has become a hallmark of the Congress… Rahul Gandhi has made similar comments, and that reflects his mindset. Congress does nothing to address these statements.” In response, the Congress distanced itself from Chavan’s comments. Sukhdeo Bhagat, a Congress MP from Jharkhand, expressed the party's unwavering support for the Indian Army and the government’s fight against terrorism. He remarked to NDTV, "Prithviraj Chavan can reveal his sources, but Congress stands by the Army. We fully support the government's actions against terrorism and Pakistan."

Prithviraj Chavan defends his remarks on Operation Sindoor, asserting India was ‘defeated on day 1’. His comments have sparked criticism from BJP, while Congress have distanced itself from it

Lionel Messi meets Sachin Tendulkar at the Wankhede Stadium. Sachin gifts Messi an Indian cricket jersey with his name on it. Messi also meets Sunil Chhetri, the legendary Indian football team captain.

Footballing legend Lionel Messi meets cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar in Wankhede Stadium

A doctor, who was allegedly raped multiple times by a police officer and mentally harassed by another individual for the past five months, died by suicide at a government hospital in Maharashtra's Satara.

Maharashtra Doctor Suicide Case: Congress' Rahul Gandhi Accuses Govt of Shielding Criminals

A doctor, who was allegedly raped multiple times by a police officer and mentally harassed by another individual for the past five months, died by suicide at a government hospital in Maharashtra's Satara.


Maharashtra: Woman doctor dies, names police sub-inspector for 'repeated rape'

Maharashtra has begun large-scale preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027, set to take place in Nashik, with a strong focus on technology-driven crowd management and infrastructure upgrades. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a high-level review meeting in Mumbai, and directed departments to speed up the pending work, including the Nashik Ring Road and land acquisition for the Sadhu Gram tent city.&nbsp;CM called the Kumbh Mela a symbol of India’s faith and tradition, assuring that the Godavari River will remain clean throughout the event. He also instructed that sewage, sanitation, and transport facilities must be completed before the gathering begins.<h2>AI and digital tools to manage massive crowds</h2>For the first time, Maharashtra will introduce an advanced “Digital Kumbh” initiative. This includes the use of artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for crowd management, surveillance, and real-time coordination.&nbsp;According to the Chief Minister’s Office, a seven-member technical committee has been formed to design and oversee these solutions. AI-based systems will help monitor crowds, predict congestion points, and it will provide real-time updates to police and emergency teams.&nbsp;The state will also work with telecom operators to ensure strong mobile connectivity during the 21-month-long event, which is expected to draw millions of devotees. Lessons from Prayagraj’s 2025 Kumbh have guided this more data-driven approach, aiming to prevent overcrowding and improve visitor safety.&nbsp;<h2>Rs 6,000 crore investment for infrastructure</h2>The Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 will involve one of the largest-ever public infrastructure pushes in Maharashtra. According to officials, tenders worth Rs 4,000 crore have already been issued for roads, water supply, and sanitation works, while another Rs 2,000 crore is being planned.&nbsp;A total of Rs 1,000 crore has been set aside for land acquisition in Tapovan, covering 268 hectares to build the Sadhu Gram, where religious sects will stay during the event. The Nashik Municipal Corporation has proposed a 50:50 compensation model for landowners half in cash and half through transfer of development rights (TDRs).&nbsp;Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with ministers Chhagan Bhujbal, Dada Bhuse, and Girish Mahajan, attended the review meeting, signalling the scale and priority of the project.&nbsp;<h2>A 21-month spiritual and cultural spectacle</h2>The upcoming Kumbh Mela will begin on 31 October 2026 with a flag-hoisting ceremony and continue until 24 July 2028 making it one of the longest Kumbh Melas in history.&nbsp;Three major Amrit Snans (holy baths) will take place in August and September 2027, drawing millions of pilgrims, ascetics, and tourists from across India and abroad.&nbsp;Officials say the 2027 event will be a blend of faith and technology, combining traditional rituals with modern systems designed to ensure safety, cleanliness, and smooth movement across Nashik city.

Maharashtra is preparing for kumbh mela 2027 in nashik with big investments, digital crowd control using ai, and upgraded infrastructure. 

Maharashtra has begun large-scale preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027, set to take place in Nashik, with a strong focus on technology-driven crowd management and infrastructure upgrades. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a high-level review meeting in Mumbai, and directed departments to speed up the pending work, including the Nashik Ring Road and land acquisition for the Sadhu Gram tent city. CM called the Kumbh Mela a symbol of India’s faith and tradition, assuring that the Godavari River will remain clean throughout the event. He also instructed that sewage, sanitation, and transport facilities must be completed before the gathering begins. AI and digital tools to manage massive crowds For the first time, Maharashtra will introduce an advanced “Digital Kumbh” initiative. This includes the use of artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for crowd management, surveillance, and real-time coordination. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, a seven-member technical committee has been formed to design and oversee these solutions. AI-based systems will help monitor crowds, predict congestion points, and it will provide real-time updates to police and emergency teams. The state will also work with telecom operators to ensure strong mobile connectivity during the 21-month-long event, which is expected to draw millions of devotees. Lessons from Prayagraj’s 2025 Kumbh have guided this more data-driven approach, aiming to prevent overcrowding and improve visitor safety. Rs 6,000 crore investment for infrastructure The Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 will involve one of the largest-ever public infrastructure pushes in Maharashtra. According to officials, tenders worth Rs 4,000 crore have already been issued for roads, water supply, and sanitation works, while another Rs 2,000 crore is being planned. A total of Rs 1,000 crore has been set aside for land acquisition in Tapovan, covering 268 hectares to build the Sadhu Gram, where religious sects will stay during the event. The Nashik Municipal Corporation has proposed a 50:50 compensation model for landowners half in cash and half through transfer of development rights (TDRs). Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with ministers Chhagan Bhujbal, Dada Bhuse, and Girish Mahajan, attended the review meeting, signalling the scale and priority of the project. A 21-month spiritual and cultural spectacle The upcoming Kumbh Mela will begin on 31 October 2026 with a flag-hoisting ceremony and continue until 24 July 2028 making it one of the longest Kumbh Melas in history. Three major Amrit Snans (holy baths) will take place in August and September 2027, drawing millions of pilgrims, ascetics, and tourists from across India and abroad. Officials say the 2027 event will be a blend of faith and technology, combining traditional rituals with modern systems designed to ensure safety, cleanliness, and smooth movement across Nashik city.

Maharashtra is preparing for Kumbh Mela 2027 in Nashik with big investments, digital crowd control using AI, and upgraded infrastructure.&nbsp;

AI-powered crowd control and surveillance planned for 21-month Kumbh Mela in Maharashtra

Maharashtra reels under relentless heavy rains that have caused widespread flooding and devastation across multiple districts. At least eight people have lost their lives due to rain-related incidents, including drowning and building collapses. Hundreds of houses have been destroyed, and the loss to agriculture is devastating. 


Maharashtra:  Floods Devastate Marathwada Region

Thousands of devotees gathered in Mumbai to witness the grand 2025 visarjan of Lalbaugcha Raja, as the 69-foot Ganesh idol was immersed with chants, music, and vibrant celebrations.


Lalbaugcha Raja visarjan 2025: Mumbai bids farewell to 69-ft Ganesh idol with grand ceremony 

Join us as India bids farewell to Lord Ganesha on September 6 with vibrant processions and rituals across India. We break down the history, traditions, and meaning behind this spectacular festival finale. 


India: Ganeshotsav celebrations end with nationwide immersion rituals 

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