With less than a month to go until the grand Mahakumbh 2025, preparations are moving forward at a rapid pace under the guidance of the Yogi government. The state administration is working diligently to ensure the timely completion of all necessary tasks to ensure a seamless experience for devotees attending the world-renowned event.
A review meeting held on December 22 at the ICCC auditorium in the Mela Authority office, chaired by Principal Secretaries of Urban Development and PWD, along with ADG of Prayagraj, focused on expediting the pending tasks. Senior officials directed various departments to work in close collaboration to ensure that the Mahakumbh arrangements are not only completed on time but also reflect the government’s commitment to providing quality services to the pilgrims.
Principal Secretary of PWD, Ajay Chauhan, reported significant progress on key infrastructure, particularly the pontoon bridges, which are being fast-tracked through 24-hour shifts. He assured that all pontoon bridges will be operational within the next couple of days, catering to the high volume of devotees expected during the event. Additionally, the installation of signage is being carried out at an accelerated pace, with 100 signs being put up every day. This installation is expected to be completed by the end of the month, ensuring clear directions for attendees.
Checkered plates are also being placed in every parking area, with instructions to speed up the work and ensure that critical tasks are completed swiftly.
Principal Secretary of Urban Development, Amrit Abhijat, underlined the Mahakumbh’s significance not only for Prayagraj but for the entire state. He emphasized the need to maintain aesthetic appeal and comfort for the pilgrims. Frequent water sprinkling on major roads will be carried out to mitigate dust and ensure a smooth experience for devotees and saints. Additionally, water tankers will be equipped with GPS for better monitoring and drones will be used for additional support in monitoring activities.
The installation of water ATMs is progressing well, with 153 out of the planned 200 already installed in the Mela area. The Water Corporation has been directed to complete arrangements across all 25 sectors within the coming week.
ADG Bhanu Bhaskar highlighted that special traffic management plans have been set for the Mahakumbh, including arrangements for the Shahi Snan (royal bathing) days. Specific routes for holding areas and shuttle buses have been identified, and emergency plans are in place to handle any unforeseen events. Health, fire, and water police teams will be stationed at key points to ensure the smooth functioning of the event.
Bhaskar also provided details of the parking arrangements, with designated spaces at major sites, including near Saraswati Hitech on Mirzapur Road. Routes leading to high-traffic areas like Varanasi, Jaunpur, and Ayodhya are being carefully prepared. Barriers will be installed at all major sites to manage crowd movement.
Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant directed the expedited installation of checkered plates in the Mela area, stressing continuous monitoring to ensure proper placement. Mela Officer Vijay Kiran Anand informed that crowd management strategies are already in place at Prayag and Subedar Ganj stations, with ghats being developed near these stations to facilitate easy bathing access for pilgrims during the event.
In terms of infrastructure, the ROB (Railway Over Bridge) and underpasses are expected to play a crucial role in improving traffic management and accessibility during the Mahakumbh. To ensure awareness among the public, the authorities will utilize print, digital, and social media campaigns, spreading information on entry-exit routes and key event schedules.
