LUCKNOW: In a significant move, the Uttar Pradesh government has given the green light to several multi-crore rupee infrastructure projects for the upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, scheduled for 2025. In the 11th meeting of the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh committee, chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, a significant budget was approved to facilitate the smooth organisation of the upcoming grand religious event. The Maha Kumbh 2025 is anticipated to attract millions of pilgrims and tourists from around the globe, making the budget allocation crucial for ensuring the success of the festival.
The committee, attended by senior officials, including chief secretaries and principal secretaries from various departments, emphasised the need for rigorous on-site inspections to ensure that all projects were progressing on schedule. These initiatives aim to enhance the overall experience for attendees, boost infrastructure development, and improve public services in the city.
Big boost for Maha Kumbh 2025!
Multi-crore projects approved for roads, electrification, and riverfront upgrades. #MahaKumbh2025 #NayeBharatKaNayaUP pic.twitter.com/D0cD1F2o2B
— Government of UP (@UPGovt) October 9, 2024
The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a wide range of infrastructure projects in preparation for the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. These development initiatives are designed to accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims and visitors expected during the event, while also enhancing the city’s long-term infrastructure and amenities.
A key project involves the widening of Raina Road, with an allocated budget of Rs 2.82 crore. This critical road expansion will ease traffic congestion and improve access, ensuring smoother movement for the increased number of visitors attending the Maha Kumbh.
Another major initiative involves the construction of temporary warehouses, boundary walls, and access roads, with Rs7.89 crore set aside for this purpose. These facilities will play a crucial role in managing logistics and storage, enabling the efficient handling of supplies and materials necessary for the successful organization of the event.
A substantial Rs19.58 crore has been allocated for the expansion of the circulating area on the right bank of the Ganga River. This project aims to accommodate the vast number of pilgrims expected to visit the holy river during the Kumbh Mela, improving crowd management and ensuring a safer experience for all.
In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the government is also focusing on maintaining cleanliness during the event. Hiring of sanitation workers has been prioritized, with Rs5.36 crore earmarked for employing 3,200 additional workers. These workers will be outsourced for 90 days, ensuring that the entire Kumbh Mela area remains clean and hygienic throughout the festival.
Another important project involves the construction of precast toilets at railway stations, with Rs1.26 crore allocated for this purpose. These new facilities will address the increased demand for sanitation services from the thousands of travelers arriving in Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh.
Temporary electrification has also been a focus, with Rs 28.47 crore set aside to ensure that the expansive event area is well-lit. This funding will cover electrification for key locations and pathways within the Kumbh Mela zone, ensuring the safety and convenience of attendees.
As part of the city’s beautification efforts, Rs3.48 crore has been approved for the creation of vertical gardens on Shastri Bridge and Phaphamau Bridge. These gardens will not only enhance the visual appeal of the city but also contribute to environmental sustainability by incorporating green spaces into the urban environment.
The development of riverfront gardens along the Yamuna River is another major project, with a budget of Rs 49.68 crore. These gardens will provide a serene and scenic space for visitors, allowing them to relax and reflect amid the spiritual atmosphere of the Kumbh.
Lastly, recognising the international significance of the Maha Kumbh, the government has allocated Rs 10 lakh for souvenirs to be presented to ambassadors and distinguished guests attending the event. These tokens of appreciation will enhance the cultural exchange and underscore the global importance of this spiritual gathering.
In addition to the aforementioned projects, the committee has also focused on the comprehensive evaluation of the preparations for the Maha Kumbh 2025. An important proposal, which received approval, was for the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee to conduct a thorough assessment of the infrastructure and logistics in place. This initiative aims to ensure that the Maha Kumbh is organized with the highest standards of efficiency and safety.
The Chief Secretary also highlighted the need for establishing a library in the Kumbh Mela area, which would house books related to Sanatan Dharma, culture, and the Maha Kumbh itself. This cultural addition aims to offer spiritual knowledge and serve as a repository of information for pilgrims and scholars visiting the Mela.
Moreover, solid waste management will receive particular attention, with the committee approving measures to enhance waste processing in the city. Strengthening sanitation and hygiene services is critical for managing the large influx of people expected during the festival. The provision of clean drinking water and the construction of additional toilets at key locations were also emphasized as vital components of the overall plan.
The projects focus not just on temporary arrangements for the Maha Kumbh, but also on long-term development. For instance, the expansion of roads and circulating areas will continue to benefit Prayagraj residents and visitors even after the event has concluded. The vertical gardens and riverfront development are also seen as steps toward making the city more environmentally friendly and aesthetically appealing.
Chief Secretary Singh underscored the importance of adhering to timelines for project completion. He instructed senior officials from relevant departments to conduct regular on-site inspections to monitor progress. These inspections are expected to play a critical role in addressing any bottlenecks and ensuring that all infrastructure is ready well before the start of the Maha Kumbh in early 2025.
The Maha Kumbh is not only a religious event but also a significant cultural and economic opportunity for Uttar Pradesh. The state government is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the festival is organized in a manner befitting its global reputation. The infrastructure upgrades and beautification projects are expected to enhance Prayagraj’s standing as a major religious and cultural hub.
As the preparations move forward, the people of Prayagraj, as well as millions of devotees worldwide, eagerly await the Maha Kumbh, a once-in-12-years event that brings together spiritual seekers, saints, and visitors from across the globe in a unique celebration of faith and humanity. The projects outlined by the committee signal the state’s commitment to making this event a grand success, not only for the attendees but also for the city and its future development.
In the months to come, it will be crucial to track the progress of these projects, as their timely completion will be essential for the smooth execution of the Maha Kumbh 2025.
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