AI Enhances Security and Pilgrim Experience at Maha Kumbh 2025

Maha Kumbh: Over 7 crore devotees take holy dip in six days; UP prepares for 45 crore more people

More than seven crore devotees, Kalpvasis and saints have taken holy dip at Triveni Sangam in the last six days after the beginning of Mahakumbh 2025 on January 13. The Uttar Pradesh government expects the arrival of more than 45 crore people to attend the Mahakumbh. Although the security of such a huge crowd is a major challenge for the Mahakumbh Police, the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), set up in the Mela area, is successfully playing its role in the crowd management According to a release, the ICCC not only helps in controlling the huge influx of devotees, but also plays a key role in various types of surveillance. In the release, SP Amit Kumar, the in-charge of ICCC, shared that 2,750 cameras have been installed, which monitor not only the fair area but also the entire city. Surveillance is conducted from three angles: security, crowd management, and crime prevention. "With the cameras, we can monitor aspects like crowd flow, surveillance, and fire safety. For crowd management, we track the flow of people, where the crowd is concentrated, and how to regulate it. This technique helps us to direct the crowd to areas with less congestion," Kumar said in the release. Besides crowd management, the cameras also support fire surveillance. "We monitor for any signs of smoke or flames," Amit Kumar further said. According to him, parking areas are also under constant surveillance. He said cameras installed in each parking lot indicate whether they are full or empty. "When a parking lot reaches its capacity, we close it and direct vehicles to the next available lot. The nearest parking is filled first to minimize walking distance for the bathers," he further said in the release. There are seven main routes connecting Prayagraj to other cities. Keeping this in mind, parking arrangements have been strategically made in all directions to ensure smooth traffic flow and accommodate the influx of visitors during the events. According to the release, AI cameras increase the capacity to manage crowd control, which is unprecedented at such a large scale. There are four ICCC units in the fair area. In case of an emergency, another unit can be used for better coordination and monitoring. Cameras have been installed at all critical and sensitive locations within the fair area, including ghats, major roads, and bridges. These cameras provide real-time information on crowd movement and help policemen assess the crowd density at key locations like the Sangam.

Maha Kumbh 2025: Seven-ring security plan turns Prayagraj's Sangam into a fortress

With an estimated four crore devotees expected to take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers on January 13 and 14, the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has been fortified with a seven-ring security plan to ensure the safety of pilgrims, as per a TOI report. Mela authorities estimate that one crore people will visit on Paush Purnima (January 13), while three crore devotees are expected to take part in the holy dip on Makar Sankranti (January 14). In anticipation of the massive crowd, the entire Mela area was declared a "no vehicle zone," and traffic diversions were implemented across all seven routes leading to the Sangam. To enhance security and crowd management, a network of 2,751 CCTV cameras, including 328 equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), has been installed across the Mela grounds and the tent city. Advanced AI-powered data analytics systems have also been introduced for real-time surveillance. "We have implemented a robust seven-tier security plan," said Additional Director General (Prayagraj Zone) Bhanu Bhaskar. "This includes multiple cordons -- outer, inner, and isolation -- along with district and inter-state checkpoints. Prominent public places, including religious spots across the city, have been brought under strict security measures." The security apparatus has been strengthened with 13 additional temporary police stations, bringing the total to 57, and 15 extra checkpoints in both urban and rural areas. Bhaskar added, "A dedicated team is monitoring the implementation of AI-driven analytics, and the Maha Kumbh Police App has been launched to facilitate smart policing." Innovative measures such as AI-enabled cameras, anti-drone systems, and tethered drones are being deployed for heightened surveillance. "Over 40,000 personnel, including paramilitary forces and teams from Uttar Pradesh technical services, have been deployed," TOI quoted Inspector General (Prayagraj Range) Prem Gautam, as saying. "An anti-drone system has also been activated, operated by experienced experts." The Prayagraj authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that Maha Kumbh 2025 proceeds smoothly and safely amidst the anticipated surge of pilgrims. (With inputs from TOI)

Maha Kumbh 2025 kicks off: AI enhances security and pilgrim experience

Maha Kumbh 2025 has begun in Prayagraj. Over 450 million visitors are expected. Extensive security measures, including AI-driven surveillance and drones, ensure safety. The Kumbh Sah'AI'yak chatbot provides real-time information and assistance for pilgrims. Saints and global dignitaries, including Laurene Powell Jobs, are attending. The event runs from January 13 to February 26.The Maha Kumbh 2025 kicked off in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday morning, as people from across the country and around the globe arrived at the Triveni Sangam to participate in the ceremonial "Shahi Snan," or royal bath. The 45-day Maha Kumbh, scheduled from January 13 to February 26, is expected to draw over 450 million visitors, making it one of the largest religious gatherings globally. Security measures Uttar Pradesh police have implemented extensive security measures in Prayagraj to ensure the safety of attendees during the Maha Kumbh. The arrangements include five Vajra vehicles, 10 drones, and four anti-sabotage teams conducting continuous patrols. Advanced technology, like 113 underwater drones with a diving capacity of 100 metres and AI-enabled cameras, have been deployed. Tethered drones reaching up to 120 metres will also provide aerial surveillance to monitor crowd density and manage emergencies. The UP Police has set up a floating police chowki to assist devotees during the sacred event. Mounted police officers have also been deployed to patrol and secure high-traffic areas. Other than this, a team of 56 cyber warriors will monitor online threats and cyber help desks have been set up in all police stations in Prayagraj. Over 2,700 AI-enabled cameras with real-time monitoring and facial recognition capabilities have been installed at entry points of the event. UP government has prioritised transforming this year's Maha Kumbh into a "Digital Maha Kumbh" by incorporating advanced security technologies. Uttar Pradesh director general of police Prashant Kumar stated that approximately 40,000 police officers and cybercrime specialists have deployed an AI-driven surveillance network to ensure crowd safety and assist with navigation. AI support for pilgrims The "Kumbh Sah'AI'yak" chatbot has been launched as a digital guide for Maha Kumbh 2025. This AI-powered tool provides real-time information, personalised assistance, navigation support, cultural insights, and event updates in multiple languages. It is available via the official Mahakumbh app and WhatsApp. Several saints and global dignitaries are expected to attend the six-week festival. Among them is Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of late Apple cofounder Steve Jobs, who has taken the spiritual name "Kamala," given by her guru. She plans to participate in rituals, including a dip in the Ganga.