The ET GenAI Hackathon 2026 has announced the results of its Idea Submission phase, with the shortlist finalised after evaluating entries from more than 54,000 builders across India. Shortlisted teams now advance to the Prototype Development Phase
The fast-expanding war between the United States, Israel, and Iran has captured global attention largely because it is disrupting oil and gas supplies from the Persian Gulf. Yet another resource is now emerging as far more critical to the survival of the region’s societies. Water
Indian technology stocks have seen an unprecedented rout over the past few weeks over fears of artificial intelligence upending the traditional outsourcing model that powers the country's $300bn (£223bn) back-office industry. The sell-off - part of a global correction in traditional software and
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Monday managed an easy victory in the biennial polls to five Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar, with its candidates including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and BJP national president Nitin Nabin
Star Brazilian forward Neymar didn’t receive a call-up to the national team squad for the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, although striker Endrick found a spot. With this snub, Neymar’s hopes of playing at the upcoming FIFA World Cup have received a massive blow
Nashik Airport Expansion For Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027: New Terminal, 24 Counters, Key Features | Explained
Nashik Airport Expansion For Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027: New Terminal, 24 Counters, Key Features | Explained
Big changes are on the way for Maharashtra’s Nashik as the city prepares for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2027. With crores of devotees expected to arrive during the religious gathering, the state government has approved a major expansion of Nashik (Ozar) Airport to handle the surge.
The expansion has been planned to prevent congestion and ensure smoother air travel during the festival. Authorities reportedly say the current infrastructure would not be enough to manage the sharp rise in passenger traffic expected during the Kumbh period.
Airport Expansion Cleared Ahead Of Kumbh
The airport will get a new integrated terminal building covering around 18,250 square metres, according to reports. The project aims to increase passenger handling capacity from about 300 passengers per hour to nearly 1,000 passengers per hour once completed.
The new terminal will include 24 check-in counters to reduce long queues. Plans also mention improved security screening systems, upgraded baggage-handling carousels, and aerobridges to allow passengers to board directly without walking across the tarmac.
A large apron area of reportedly about 1.15 lakh square metres will also be developed. This will increase aircraft parking bays from six to 12, allowing multiple aircraft to operate at the same time. A proposal for a parallel runway is also under discussion, which could be supported by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), as per reports. This would ensure that airport operations are not completely halted if maintenance is required on the main runway.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the terminal project. According to officials, the Maharashtra government will fully fund the airport upgrade. The estimated cost currently stands at around Rs 572 crore, though some reports suggest the final expenditure could rise to about Rs 640 crore.
Authorities have set a deadline of March 2027 to complete the work. Officials say this timeline is important so that testing and trial operations can be carried out before the Kumbh Mela reaches peak footfall.
Passenger Traffic Has Been Rising Steadily
According to reports, passenger numbers at Nashik airport have already shown steady growth. Between April and December 2025, the airport handled nearly 0.3 million passengers, reflecting a year-on-year increase of around 23 per cent.
At present, IndiGo is the only airline operating scheduled commercial flights from Nashik. The routes connect the city to Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, Goa and Hyderabad. Officials believe that after the expansion, more airlines may consider starting services from Nashik due to improved infrastructure.
Cargo movement has also seen activity. Reports state that from April to November last year, the airport handled more than 6,400 metric tonnes of international cargo. A significant portion reportedly included goat exports to West Asia. Authorities believe better facilities could further strengthen cargo operations, especially for agricultural produce and other exports from the region.
66-Km Ring Road To Ease City Traffic
Along with the airport expansion, a 66.15-km outer ring road is being developed around Nashik city. According to officials, the project is expected to be completed before the 2027 Kumbh Mela to manage road traffic.
The ring road is being implemented by the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC). The total project cost is estimated at Rs 7,922 crore, which includes land acquisition and civil construction.
Reports state that 386 hectares of land across 25 villages surrounding Nashik will be acquired for the project. The land acquisition cost, estimated at around Rs 3,659.47 crore, will be borne by the state government. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will fund the civil works amounting to approximately Rs 4,262.64 crore.
Kumbh Mela Authority commissioner Shekhar Singh reportedly said the administration has started acquiring land and is holding discussions with farmers whose land will be affected. He assured that compensation would be provided as per government norms. Officials added that they are in continuous dialogue with farmer groups to address concerns and avoid delays.
The outer ring road will begin and end at Adgaon. It will pass through major stretches including DRDO Junction, Dindori Road, Dakambale Shivar, Peth-Gavalwadi, Gangapur Road, Govardhan, Trimbak Road, Belgaon Dhaga and Vilholi.
According to officials, the ring road aims to divert heavy vehicles and long-distance traffic away from the city centre. This is expected to reduce congestion on internal roads during the Kumbh and improve overall traffic flow.
Focus On Handling Huge Crowds In 2027
Nashik is one of the four cities in India that host the Kumbh Mela every 12 years. According to reports, nearly 2 crore devotees visited the city during the 2015 event. The upcoming Kumbh 2027 is expected to draw more than 5 crore visitors.
Officials say the airport upgrade and the outer ring road are part of a broader infrastructure push to manage the anticipated crowd. Beyond the religious event, these projects are expected to improve Nashik’s long-term connectivity and support business, tourism and industrial growth in the region.
Source: News18
Related Posts: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta inaugurates 120 mist spray systems at IGI Airport Rekha Gupta inaugurates 120 mist spray systems at Delhi airport Alphabet plans major India expansion as US tightens visa rules VinFast unveils global e-scooter expansion with India in focus Orlando International Airport forced to ground all flights amid ‘extreme cold’ Surajkund Mela 2026 Mumbai’s Borivali-Virar 5th-6th Line Expansion Gets Green Signal 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2026 Surajkund Mela traffic advisory Sara Ali Khan turns heads with sporty airport look amid ongoing controversy
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said Sunrisers Leeds' signing of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed "indirectly contributes to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians". Gavaskar's comments are the most high-profile criticism of Sunrisers' deal for Abrar at last week's Hundred auction
6 hours ago
The US artificial intelligence (AI) firm Anthropic is looking to hire a chemical weapons and high-yield explosives expert to try to prevent "catastrophic misuse" of its software. In other words, it fears that its AI tools might tell someone how to make chemical or radioactive weapons
6 hours ago
If one wants to explore the many debates and controversies surrounding the Congress and its role in shaping India’s political trajectory, there may soon be a new address in the capital to turn to. At 3, Safdarjung Lane, the official residence of Nishikant Dubey — the Bharatiya Janata Party MP
6 hours ago
Chelsea have been handed a Premier League record fine of £10.75m and a suspended transfer ban. It was a result of the club making secret payments to unregistered agents and third-parties over transfers between 2011 and 2018. But it could have been a lot worse
6 hours ago
Kerala Congress (M), BDJS announce names of 12 candidates eachKerala Congress (M) and BDJS announced candidates for the upcoming assembly polls, including KC(M) chairman Jose K Mani from Pala and 12 others from BDJS. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:36 AM IST By Vishnu Varma
6 hours ago
Iran’s National Security Chief Ali Larijani on Monday penned a note to Muslim countries, questioning their lack of support for Tehran as the US-Israeli war is now entering its third week with no clear end in sight, disrupting global energy supplies and raising fears of a spike in global inflation
6 hours ago
Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi expressed strong displeasure over Dr. Asif Nazar being considered for the Lahorighat Assembly ticket, citing Nazar's alleged association with an individual charged in an attack on Bordoloi. Bordoloi wrote to AICC General Secretary Jitendra Singh
6 hours ago
A sessions court in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district on Monday convicted five persons and acquitted 35 others in connection with a 2016 case in which seven Dalits were assaulted in the town of Una, The Indian Express reported. Additional Sessions Judge Jignesh Pandya of the court in Veraval
6 hours ago
It's Hollywood's biggest night. The 98th Academy Awards featured emotional speeches, comical relief and a bevy of backstage fun. But it was perhaps a night to forget for Timothée Chalamet. As well as losing out to Michael B Jordan for best actor and One Battle After Another for best picture
6 hours ago
US President Donald Trump on Monday said more than 30 mine laying ships of Iran have been destroyed which has affected Tehran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. “We are hammering their capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz with more
6 hours ago
Love Horoscope Today for March 17, 2026: A spontaneous moment could lead to a meaningful connectionLove Horoscope Today, March 17, 2026: Find daily astrological predictions for all sun signs. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:28 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link Aries: Mars is pushing you to
6 hours ago
Dubai arrests Iranian drone strike survivors after they sent explosion photos to loved ones3 foreigner nationals who survived drone strike in Dubai have been arrested after sending photos of the explosions to family members. Updated on: Mar 16
6 hours ago
‘Firms need to move to adaptive, energy-efficient AI models’Sarah Hooker is convinced that the future lies in AI systems that use less computing power, cost less to run and can adapt to the needs of users. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 6:58 AM IST By Shweta Taneja Share via Copy link In the last
6 hours ago
Baghdad witnessed a significant drone and rocket attack on the U.S. embassy early Tuesday. This incident marks the most intense assault since the commencement of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. Iraqi security forces have heightened their presence across the capital. The Green Zone
6 hours ago
Russell Wilson trade update: Chiefs hand a shock to Giants QB with Justin Fields move Published on: Mar 17, 2026 5:03 AM IST By Khushi Arora Share via Copy link New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) waves to fans after the game against the Dallas Cowboys (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6 hours ago
![London [UK], March 17 (ANI): The Premier League has completed a disciplinary process with Chelsea FC in respect of historical breaches relating to Financial](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/chelsea-fined-and-faces-supended-transfer-ban-by-premier-league.webp?height=520)
London [UK], March 17 (ANI): The Premier League has completed a disciplinary process with Chelsea FC in respect of historical breaches relating to Financial Reporting and Third Party Investment.In 2022, Chelsea FC’s current owners voluntarily reported to the League that they had evidence of
6 hours ago
A Bengaluru-based cafe has drawn attention on social media after adding a 5 per cent “Gas Crisis Charge" to a customer’s lemonade order, sparking debate on social media platform X. The unusual fee, applied on a bill for two mint lemonades, has left many users amused and some questioning its
6 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Still using an older laptop? These Intel 13th Gen laptops show what modern performance feels likeIntel 13th Gen laptops bring improved performance
6 hours ago
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is planning to delay a high stakes visit to China later in March by about a month because of the Iran war. "We've requested that we delay it a month or so," he told reporters at the White House
6 hours ago
LDF ally ISJD, UDF ally RSP name candidates for four seats eachThe ISJD and RSP announced their candidates for Kerala Assembly polls, with ISJD's K Krishnankutty retiring from politics and RSP seeking assembly representation. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:30 AM IST By Vishnu Varma
6 hours ago
Horoscope Today, March 17, 2026: Operational strategies at work need refinementHoroscope Today: Read the astrological predictions for each zodiac sign based on an expert's guidance on March 17, 2026. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:19 AM IST By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma
6 hours ago
The report from Elara Capital said retail gasoline and diesel prices “could be fully protected through excise cuts until roughly $110/bbl, beyond which price hikes on diesel and gasoline would become inevitable”. Also Read :Fino Payments Bank Shares Fall To 52-Week Low Amid Probe Reports;
6 hours ago
Punjab Assembly session: House passes motion against LoP Bajwa over ‘band player’ remarkThe Punjab assembly condemned opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa for alleged derogatory remarks about a minister, leading to chaos and a walkout by Congress. Published on: Mar 17
6 hours ago
More than a thousand citizens in Ladakh's Leh and Kargil regions rallied on Monday, echoing calls for statehood and adherence to the Sixth Schedule. Leaders from the Apex Body Leh alongside the Kargil Democratic Alliance expressed their discontent regarding the central government's stance
6 hours ago
Menstrual pain is often dismissed as an inevitable part of being a woman. But when cramps become debilitating, interfere with daily life or are accompanied by chronic pelvic discomfort, they may signal something more serious. One such condition is endometriosis – a long-term disorder affecting
6 hours ago
Khushbu Sundar comes out in support of Trisha amid her viral pics with Vijay: ‘She is one of the most dignified women’Khushbu Sundar has addressed the online chatter surrounding the public appearance of Vijay and Trisha Krishnan, after the divorce petition filed by Sangeeta. Mar 17, 2026
6 hours ago
Rex Culpepper's fiancee pays sweet tribute after tragic bike accident death: ‘I don’t regret' Published on: Mar 17, 2026 4:55 AM IST By Yash Nitish Bajaj Share via Copy link Former Syracuse quarterback Rex Culpepper died after an accident on Saturday (Instagram/Rex Culpepper) Rex Culpepper
6 hours ago
