Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has appealed to the central government to make the under-construction runway at Nashik’s Ozar Airport operational for civilian use ahead of the upcoming 2026 Kumbh Mela, reported the PTI.

In a letter addressed to the Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chhagan Bhujbal stressed the urgent need for air connectivity to manage the expected influx of over five crore pilgrims during the massive religious gathering scheduled to begin in October 2026.