UP ministers lead Mahakumbh 2025 roadshows in Ahmedabad & Kolkata

Ahmedabad/Kolkata : To ensure that Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025 is organized in a grand manner, the Uttar Pradesh government hosted magnificent roadshows in Ahmedabad and Kolkata.

The events served as platforms for Uttar Pradesh ministers to extend invitations to the people of Gujarat and West Bengal to participate in Mahakumbh 2025.

The Ahmedabad roadshow was led by Minister of Energy Arvind Sharma and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Vocational Education and Skill Development Kapil Dev Agarwal, while the Kolkata roadshow was graced by Dr Arun Kumar Saxena, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Forest and Environment, and Sanjay Gangwar, Minister of State for Sugarcane Development.

At a press conference in Ahmedabad, Energy Minister Arvind Sharma described the Mahakumbh as more than a religious gathering, calling it a profound expression of India’s cultural and spiritual essence.

“Mahakumbh is the vibration of India’s cultural and spiritual consciousness and a divine proclamation of ‘Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat’,” he remarked. He shared that the Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025 is expected to draw 45 crore devotees, saints, and tourists, with the Uttar Pradesh government making comprehensive preparations to ensure it becomes a historic and world-class event.

In Kolkata, Minister of State for Environment and Forest, Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena, emphasized that the Mahakumbh celebrates the social and cultural unity of Indian society. “It is a platform to experience the glorious traditions of Indian culture, rising above differences and disputes,” he said, extending an invitation to the people of West Bengal to participate in this unparalleled event.

Highlighting the preparations, Energy Minister Sharma stated that this Mahakumbh will focus on being clean, safe, and environmentally sustainable.

He said, “A door-to-door awareness campaign is underway to eliminate single-use plastic, and 3 lakh saplings have been planted across Prayagraj, with measures in place to ensure their protection beyond the event. Modern technology will play a pivotal role in making the Mahakumbh digital. Key initiatives include a dedicated website and app, an AI chatbot in 11 languages, QR code-based passes, a multilingual digital lost-and-found center, and an ICT system for monitoring cleanliness and tent management. Moreover, all event sites have been integrated into Google Maps to provide seamless navigation for pilgrims.”

To enhance convenience for visitors, 101 smart parking facilities have been developed across an area of 1,867.04 hectares, offering a parking capacity of five lakh vehicles daily. These parking spaces will be monitored in real-time through the Integrated Control Command Center.

For devotees participating in the Mahakumbh, 35 existing ghats have been renovated, and nine new ones have been constructed, spanning 12 kilometers. Aerial flower showers will add a special touch to these 44 ghats. Additionally, a 15.25-kilometer-long riverfront has been created near the Sangam area, inspired by Mumbai’s Marine Drive, according to Energy Minister Arvind Sharma.

He added, “In line with the vision of a “Healthy Mahakumbh,” extensive healthcare facilities have been established. These include a 100-bed hospital, two smaller hospitals with 20 and 8 beds each, and ICUs and Army medical units at the fairgrounds. Doctors and nursing staff will be on duty 24/7 to ensure the well-being of attendees.”

He noted, “Advanced technology will play a crucial role in managing the event. Three innovative methods will be employed to accurately estimate the number of visitors with Person Attribute Search using camera tracking technology, RFID Wristbands to record the entry and exit timings of pilgrims, and Mobile App Tracking to monitor the location of devotees via GPS.”

Speaking to journalists in Kolkata, Minister of State for Sugarcane Development Sanjay Gangwar highlighted the Uttar Pradesh government’s efforts to make Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025 a historic event. He described it as a remarkable fusion of India’s unity, cultural heritage, and technological advancement, destined to inspire not only the nation but the world.

Roadshows held in Ahmedabad and Kolkata witnessed significant participation from dignitaries, including journalists, travel bloggers, influencers, industrialists, and travel operators. The ministers urged the people of Gujarat and West Bengal to join Mahakumbh 2025 and contribute to making it a world-class event. They also encouraged the widespread promotion of its significance, showcasing the cultural and technological marvels that the event represents.