NTKMA Tells NMC to Fast-Track Ramkund Works Before Dhwajarohan

Ramkund is where the Simhastha formally begins. On 31 October 2026 at 12:02 PM, the Dhwajarohan (flag hoisting) will take place at Ramkund in Panchavati and at Kushavarta in Trimbakeshwar at the same moment. But works at Ramkund are still not finished.

The Times of India reported on 5 October 2026 that NTKMA Commissioner Shekhar Singh has written to NMC Commissioner Manisha Khatri after inspecting the site. The Ramkund precinct being redone stretches from Holkar Bridge to Gadge Maharaj Bridge.

What the letter says

According to the letter, as reported, these works were still unfinished at Ramkund:

• Sewerage and storm-water drain works
• Stone steps
• Cabling
• Clearing of debris

Singh asked NMC to plan separate entry and exit routes for VIPs and for the public. He also asked that works that cannot be finished in time be "suitably screened".

The 15 October target

This is not the first deadline for Ramkund. On 2 September 2026, Singh said the Ramkund works would be finished by 15 October. Both Lokmat Times and the Times of India reported this. With the letter listing this much pending work on 5 October, that target now looks hard to meet.

At a review on 19 September, Kumbh Mela Minister Girish Mahajan asked all agencies to speed up. He said on record that rain had delayed works, but that everything would be finished before the Amrit Snans, according to eSakal.

The bigger deadline: March 2027

Ramkund is one of more than 350 infrastructure works under way for the Kumbh. All major works are targeted for March 2027. Mahajan set this deadline at the NTKMA meeting of 19 July 2026, and Singh repeated it in September. Singh has also said on record that three independent agencies are checking the quality of the works.

What this means for pilgrims

The Dhwajarohan date and time are confirmed in the NTKMA plan and by Mahajan. President Droupadi Murmu is expected to attend, as Mahajan announced, though it is not yet clear which venue she will go to.

Lokmat Times has reported that Ramkund can hold only about 15,000 people at a time, so invitations for the programmes will be limited. The same report says a Gram Pradakshina is planned for 30 October, with religious programmes at Ramkund from 30 October to 1 November.

If you plan to visit Ramkund around 31 October:

• There may be separate routes for VIPs and the public, and some unfinished parts may be screened off.
• Access near the kund may be limited during the main programme.
• Watch for official notices on entry routes. These have not been published yet.

If you also plan to go to Trimbakeshwar, note that Kushavarta Tirth has been closed to pilgrims since 30 September for renovation, and the renovated kund is to be inaugurated on 31 October. Collector Ayush Prasad said the closure runs from 30 September to 30 October (Times of India, 29 September 2026). Lokmat Times reported on 4 October that it will reopen on 31 October. Check locally before you travel.

Read more about the ceremony on our Dhwajarohan 2026 page, see the ghats on our ghats guide and the Trimbakeshwar Kumbh 2027 page, and check every key date on the Kumbh dates page.