Mahakumbh Mela 2026: Master Plan Approved for Verul Bypass Road to Ease Traffic, Simplify Jyotirlinga Darshan

Ahead of Kumbh Mela 2026, the Maharashtra government has approved a ₹43 crore four-lane bypass road at Verul (Ellora) to reduce traffic congestion and improve access to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga and Ellora Caves.

Kumbh Mela 2026: Major Infrastructure Boost for Verul (Ellora) Region

In a major decision ahead of Kumbh Mela 2026, authorities have approved a comprehensive master plan to permanently resolve traffic congestion in the Verul (Ellora) region, one of Maharashtra’s most important spiritual and heritage destinations.

The area, home to the world-renowned Ellora Caves and the 12th Jyotirlinga Grishneshwar Temple, witnesses an average daily traffic flow of over 70,000 vehicles. On Mondays, large crowds gather for darshan, while during the holy month of Shravan, the number of devotees rises to nearly 5 lakh every Monday, creating severe traffic congestion, especially on the Kannad Road.

₹43 Crore Four-Lane Bypass Road Approved

To address this growing problem, the government has granted administrative approval for a 1.65 km long and 18-metre wide four-lane asphalt bypass road connecting Verul Ghat directly to Ahilyadevi Holkar Shivalaya Kund.
The project has been sanctioned with a budget of ₹43 crore and is expected to provide a permanent solution to traffic bottlenecks in the area.

Project to Be Completed Before August 2026

With the upcoming Kumbh Mela in focus, clear instructions have been issued to complete the project before August 2026 to prevent worsening congestion during the pilgrimage season.

The bypass alignment will pass through land under the jurisdiction of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). MTDC has provided the required land, and in return, the state government will pay ₹6 crore as compensation. The alignment process has already been completed, and construction is set to begin soon.

Key Project Details

• Length: 1.65 km
• Width: 18 metres
• Type: Four-lane asphalt road
• Route: Through MTDC area (final alignment approved)
• Total Cost: ₹43 crore
• Compensation to MTDC: ₹6 crore

Official Statement

S.G. Kendre, Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (West Division), said:

“This 1.65 km long and 18-metre wide four-lane road at Verul Ghat will be extremely convenient for devotees. The alignment has been finalized, and the concerned agency has been directed to complete the work before August 2026.”

Expected Impact

Once completed, the new bypass is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion around Ellora Caves and Grishneshwar Temple, ensure smoother movement for pilgrims, improve parking and access facilities, and make Jyotirlinga darshan faster and safer for lakhs of devotees visiting during Kumbh Mela 2026 and other peak seasons.