Underwater drones, AI-powered cameras: UP Police goes hi-tech for Mahakumbh 2025
The Uttar Pradesh government is leaving no stones unturned with the Mahakumbh mela, starting on January 13, expected to draw nearly 45 crore devotees by the time it ends on February 26.
To ensure the smooth and secure functioning of the Mahakumbh, the Uttar Pradesh Police has deployed nearly 30,000 police personnel from 70 districts. To keep track of the crores of people, the police have taken the help of technology, installing 2,700 Artificial Intelligence-powered cameras.
In a first, the authorities will be using underwater drones, providing real-time surveillance, especially when millions of devotees throng the ghats to take a dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the Saraswati rivers. Security measures have not only been strengthened at the temples and key sites in Mahakumbh Nagar but also across all the routes leading to Prayagraj.
Keeping the security of millions of devotees in mind, intensive checking and frisking of vehicles are being conducted on seven major roadways connecting Prayagraj and the eight districts along these routes. As part of the Uttar Pradesh Police’s seven-tier security arrangement for the Mahakumbh, a total of 102 checkpoints have been set up, where 1,026 police personnel have been deployed.
To maintain order and ensure the safety of pilgrims, the Uttar Pradesh Police will also be aided by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Central Armed Police Force. The Uttar Pradesh government has further deployed 125 road ambulances and seven river ambulances exclusively for the Mahakumbh to ensure that devotees get quick relief in case of any health emergencies.
Makeshift hospitals, special trains: Railways gears up for Mahakumbh
To ensure hassle-free travel for crores of pilgrims visiting the Mahakumbh, the Railways announced that it will be running 13,000 trains, including 3,000 special days, for a span of over 50 days. A day before the mega-spiritual event, Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced that three special trains from Jammu and Kashmir’s Katra had been announced.
“First Special Train has been finalised for January 24 which will leave Katra Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station for Prayagraj and return from Prayagraj to Katra on January 26,” Singh said. To facilitate the journey of the pilgrims, the IRCTC has set up a ‘tent city’, providing shelter for travellers.
The IRCTC has also set up makeshift hospitals and medical booths at all major railway stations. IRCTC has also ensured that trained medical staff is present throughout the day to provide first aid and address any medical emergencies.
The first special train will start from Himachal Pradesh’s Una on January 17.
Mahakumbh: A Rare Divine Spectacle
This year’s Mahakumbh, which occurs every 144 years, happens when the celestial positioning of four planets, including Sun, Moon, Saturn and Jupiter, are uniquely placed. The main bathing rituals include the Shahi Snan (royal bath), which will take place on January 14 on the occassion of Makar Sankranti, January 29 during the Mauni Amavasya and on February 3 during Basant Panchami.
The Maha Kumbh Mela will also witness performances by acclaimed Bollywood singers like Kailash Kher and Shaan, according to a press release by the Ministry of Culture. Shankar Mahadevan will be opening the grand cultural event while Mohit Chauhan will perform at the closing ceremony.