Nashik: The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, has sought a dedicated supply of 1.22 lakh metric tonne (MT) of bitumen from state-run petroleum companies through state govt to ensure the timely execution of large-scale road asphalting works across Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.The demand for bitumen has been placed with the three major oil marketing companies — Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) — amid concerns over the availability of bitumen for Kumbh-related infrastructure projects.Municipal commissioner Manisha Khatri said the civic body has taken the initiative well in advance after road works were affected earlier this year due to bitumen shortage linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.“To ensure uninterrupted availability of bitumen once road asphalting begins after the monsoon, we have sought 1.2 lakh tonnes of bitumen through the state govt. The requirement includes the demand of the public works department (PWD) which was worked out through our consultants. Around 50% of the total quantity will be required for NMC projects, while the remaining will be used for PWD road works related to Kumbh,” Khatri told TOI.She added that the state govt has been requested to coordinate with BPCL, IOCL and HPCL to earmark the required quantity specifically for Kumbh-related road projects in Nashik.According to Khatri, the oil companies have responded positively to the demand and have shared details of measures being planned to strengthen bitumen supply for Nashik.“The petroleum companies are increasing their bitumen allocation for Nashik’s Kumbh road works. They have informed us that they are exploring the possibility of establishing temporary depots in Nashik for easier supply. In addition, dedicated bitumen storage facilities are being planned in Mumbai for use during the Kumbh works. Tenders for these facilities have already been floated by the companies concerned,” Khatri said.The civic administration expects major asphalting activities to commence in Oct after the monsoon ends and weather conditions become conducive for road surfacing works.An NMC official said bitumen shortages during May and June had affected plans to take up asphalting works on certain stretches. The shortages were attributed to disruptions in supply arising from the conflict in West Asia.The NMC is currently implementing an ambitious road development programme as part of preparations for the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela. It is developing nearly 30 roads spanning around 150 km at an estimated cost of Rs1,300 crore. Of the total road network, around 40% comprises concrete roads, while the remaining are being developed as bituminous roads requiring large quantities of asphalt.The tender process for 28 road projects has already been completed and work is underway on several stretches. The NMC recently received administrative approval from the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA) for two additional road projects, and tenders for these works are expected to be floated shortly.