Nashik, October 11, 2026: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) plans to install 211 new mobile towers across Nashik, Trimbakeshwar and major connecting highways at an estimated cost of ₹99 crore to improve mobile connectivity ahead of the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela. If completed as planned, the expansion would more than double the state-owned telecom operator’s existing tower count in the region, from around 200 to approximately 411.
According to a report published by The Times of India on October 10, BSNL aims to install the new towers over the next eight months, focusing on Nashik city, Trimbakeshwar, the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar highway and major entry routes from Malegaon, Igatpuri, Dindori and Pune. The expansion is intended to address existing network coverage gaps and accommodate increased demand for mobile services during the religious gathering.
The proposed infrastructure upgrade comes amid complaints about frequent call drops and unreliable mobile connectivity in parts of the region. With large numbers of pilgrims expected to visit Nashik and Trimbakeshwar during the Kumbh Mela, telecom networks will need to handle increased demand for voice calls and mobile data.
Nashik collector Ayush Prasad acknowledged the connectivity problems and said the district administration was working to facilitate the expansion. According to the report, BSNL has presented its network expansion plan, while the administration is making efforts to ensure that installation work begins as soon as possible.
BSNL Nashik general manager Sarang Mandviker said the company intends to install 211 towers to address coverage gaps and manage heavy mobile data traffic during the event. The operator has approached the district collectorate, Nashik Municipal Corporation and the zilla parishad for assistance in identifying suitable installation sites.
To accelerate the rollout, BSNL plans to use government buildings, private structures and existing telecom tower sites where additional equipment can be accommodated.
In addition to the permanent network expansion, BSNL has secured approval for 43 Cell-on-Wheels units. These are mobile telecom towers that can be temporarily deployed in areas experiencing unusually high demand for network services.
The mobile units are planned for locations expected to attract large crowds, including parking areas and riverbanks, during the Kumbh Mela. They are intended to provide additional mobile coverage and network capacity during periods of heavy usage.
Separately, the Department of Telecommunications is undertaking a ₹100-crore project to extend 4G connectivity to 49 villages in Nashik district that currently lack mobile network coverage. The initiative, funded under the Digital Bharat Nidhi programme, involves the installation of 49 mobile towers.
The villages are located mainly in the Trimbakeshwar, Igatpuri and Surgana areas. According to The Times of India, Department of Telecommunications deputy director R.K. Maheshwari said the project aims to address connectivity gaps in these underserved locations.
However, permissions are still being sought for several proposed tower sites in forest areas. These approvals will be necessary before installation work can proceed at the affected locations.
While BSNL’s ₹99-crore expansion is intended to strengthen mobile connectivity in Nashik, Trimbakeshwar and major routes ahead of the Kumbh Mela, the separate ₹100-crore village connectivity project aims to bring 4G services to areas that remain outside existing mobile networks.
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