Prayagraj Gears Up for Maha Kumbh 2025: Safety Measures And Digital Innovations to Enhance Devotee Experience
Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj includes advanced fire safety measures, digital ticketing innovations via the UTS app, and enhanced crowd management. Millions are expected to attend this spiritually significant event, with key rituals in January and February.
Preparations are in full swing for the Maha Kumbh Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, scheduled from January 13 to February 26. The grand event, held once every 12 years, is expected to draw millions of devotees. To ensure the safety of the crowds and prevent incidents, authorities have put various safety measures in place, especially regarding fire hazards and crowd management.
In preparation for the Maha Kumbh, the district administration has set up a new fire station and sent out 365 trucks to respond quickly to fire-related occurrences. Moreover, officials have launched awareness campaigns and mock drills to teach people how to operate fire situations calmly. Padmaja Chauhan, ADG Fire, stressed the need to educate the public to prevent panic during minor fire situations.
“We have asked officers to visit tents, raise awareness, and conduct drills. If a fire breaks out, people must remain calm and follow the officers’ instructions,” she said.
To further enhance safety, the administration has added more staff and implemented cutting-edge technologies. Innovations include Quick Response Vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), firefighting robots, and fire mist bikes. Regardless of the circumstances, the objective is to respond quickly to fires. Chauhan announced firefighting boats, set to be operational within a week to control fires in tents and houseboats using river water.
Meanwhile, the Prayagraj division of North Central Railway has rolled out a new digital initiative to streamline ticketing during the Kumbh. Dedicated railway staff, identifiable by their green jackets, will be stationed at key locations, including Prayagraj Junction. The jackets feature QR codes that, when scanned by passengers, will direct them to the UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System) mobile app. Ensuring a faster and more convenient process the app allows pilgrims to book tickets without waiting in long queues.
The UTS app (Unreserved Ticketing System) also integrates digital payment options, providing a seamless ticketing experience for the millions of devotees expected to attend. Railway personnel wearing green jackets will be stationed at key areas, including railway stations and other significant locations, to offer assistance with ticket booking and provide necessary guidance to pilgrims and travelers. The program supports the government's goal of "Digital India." Offering technology convenience to pilgrims and guaranteeing a smooth journey to the sacred event.
The Maha Kumbh’s main bathing ritual, the Shahi Snan, will take place on key dates: January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). Innovative measures for fire safety and ticketing are set to make the 2025 Maha Kumbh an even more organized and spiritually enriching experience for all.