Colour-Coded Signboards and Sectors Planned So Pilgrims Don't Get Lost at Simhastha 2027
Every directional signboard for the 2027 Kumbh in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar is to follow a colour code, so pilgrims can follow one colour from entry to exit and find their way back to their vehicles, the Times of India reports. The Kumbh area will be split into sectors, and on peak bathing days movement between sectors may be stopped. The plan came up at a 17 October review chaired by guardian secretary Eknath Dawale; the colours are not final yet.
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First announced on
Pilgrims at the 2027 Simhastha may soon be able to find their way simply by following a colour. The Kumbh Mela Authority has decided to bring in a colour-coded navigation system on all directional signboards in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, the Times of India reported on 18 October 2026. The review meeting is official. The details of the colour plan come from an unnamed senior authority official quoted by TOI, so treat them as reported. The colours themselves have not been finalised.
How it is meant to work
- Major routes, transit points and sectors across the Kumbh area will each get a distinct colour. Pilgrims follow the same colour from entry to exit, which should make it easier to get back to their vehicles or assigned places.
- The idea comes from the Prayagraj Kumbh. There, the official told TOI, many pilgrims followed destination boards, lost track of their route and came out far from where they had parked.
- The whole Kumbh area will be divided into sectors. On peak bathing days, especially Parva Snan days, devotees may not be allowed to move between sectors.
- National highways, city roads, tourist spots, bus stations and other transit hubs will also carry colour-coded signs linked to particular sectors and districts.
- All signboards are to follow Indian Roads Congress guidelines.
- Colour zones will be finalised after consulting all stakeholders.
- The model draws on the colour-coded guidance the Railways used at the 2015 Nashik Kumbh to help pilgrims find their way back to stations.
The review behind it
The decision was taken at a review chaired by Eknath Dawale, principal secretary of the water resources department and Nashik's guardian secretary, at the NTKMA office on Saturday 17 October (Pudhari, Free Press Journal). Attending were NTKMA commissioner Shekhar Singh, NMC commissioner Manisha Khatri, Collector Ayush Prasad, Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik, Nashik Range IG Sanjay Yenpure and SP D.S. Swami, along with representatives of PWD, water resources, forest, power transmission and the state transport corporation (MSRTC).
The meeting reviewed:
- proposed parking sites, vehicle capacity, entry and exit routes and traffic management in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar;
- where signboards should go and how they should look;
- ghat works, access routes, crowd movement, safety and lighting;
- the Sadhugram layout, available land, internal roads, water, sanitation and power for sadhus and mahants.
Dawale told departments to clear pending approvals and technical hurdles on time and to keep their work status and schedules up to date, so decisions are not held up for lack of coordination.
What it means for you
Nothing changes yet for visitors: the colours, sector map and movement rules will come later. When they are published, we will add them to our visit planner and Kumbh map.
Related: How to reach Nashik, Kumbh status board, Kumbh dates.
