Prayagraj, Feb 27: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in transforming Maha Kumbh 2025 into a globally recognized spiritual event. Addressing the media a day after its conclusion, Adityanath emphasized the unprecedented scale of the event, stating that the Prime Minister's vision played a crucial role in its successful execution.
A Historic Turnout and Spiritual Tourism Boom
Over the past 45 days, the Maha Kumbh witnessed a record-breaking 66 crore pilgrims and tourists, further solidifying Uttar Pradesh as a prime spiritual tourism destination. Adityanath highlighted that in 2024 alone, 64 crore visitors traveled to various religious sites across the state, including Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, Chitrakoot, and Gorakhpur.
The Chief Minister also underscored the development of five major spiritual tourism corridors, enhancing connectivity between key religious hubs. These corridors link Prayagraj with Varanasi, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Chitrakoot, Lucknow, and Agra, facilitating seamless travel for pilgrims.
Global Participation and Economic Impact
The Maha Kumbh attracted representatives from over 100 countries, including ambassadors and high commissioners from 74 nations. Additionally, ministers and presidents from 12 countries participated, alongside international devotees.
Highlighting the economic impact, Adityanath revealed that an investment of ₹7,500 crore in infrastructure and event management resulted in an estimated ₹3 lakh crore economic boost. This investment covered the construction of 200 roads, 14 flyovers, multiple underpasses, and 12 dedicated corridors in Prayagraj, significantly enhancing the city’s appeal.
Unprecedented Security and Technological Integration
The state and central governments deployed nearly one lakh personnel, including Uttar Pradesh Police, ATS, STF commandos, and water police, ensuring seamless security. Advanced AI-integrated surveillance with 30,000 facial recognition-enabled CCTV cameras monitored crowd movement and controlled congestion in real time.
Adityanath personally oversaw the arrangements, conducting aerial surveys and utilizing AI-enabled technology for real-time crowd assessment. The sanitation workforce of 15,000 ensured cleanliness, while 7,000 state transport buses, 750 shuttle services, and 13,000 special trains facilitated smooth transportation.
Infrastructure Expansion and Public Services
Prayagraj witnessed significant infrastructural expansion, with the fairgrounds covering 10,000 acres and parking facilities accommodating six lakh vehicles. Temporary and permanent developments included:
- 30 pontoon bridges
- 500 km of newly developed roads
- 1,250 km of drinking water pipelines
- One lakh tents for visitors
- 1.5 lakh toilets
- Seven riverfronts and nine permanent ghats
Global Recognition and Academic Interest
Adityanath stated that Maha Kumbh’s management has sparked global academic interest, with institutions like IIMs and international universities seeking insights into its crowd management and faith-economy integration. He compared the disciplined public participation in the event to India's resilient response during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Expressing gratitude to sanitation workers, boatmen, and transport personnel, the Chief Minister credited their contributions for making Maha Kumbh 2025 a landmark event.
With its remarkable scale, technological advancements, and international participation, Maha Kumbh 2025 has set a new benchmark in religious tourism and economic impact, firmly placing Prayagraj on the global map of spiritual gatherings.
