How AI is revolutionising Maha Kumbh 2025
Millions from across the world are flocking to the holy city or Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh to witness what is said to be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Security remains a primary concern as people of different castes, cultures, religions and race come together for the 45-day spectacle, which is so large it can be seen from space.
As 400 million devotees, including global dignitaries and spiritual leaders, are expected to visit the Sangam from January 13 to February 26, authorities have implemented groundbreaking measures to ensure the safety and security of the visitors.
UNDERWATER DRONES
In a first, the Uttar Pradesh police have deployed underwater drones capable of diving up to 100 meters to provide round-the-clock surveillance in the Sangam area. Tethered drones are monitoring crowd movements from above to ensure rapid response to medical emergencies.
Five Vajra vehicles, 10 drones, and four anti-sabotage teams will patrol the area around the clock, DGP Prashant Kumar said.
The security framework also includes 2,700 AI-enabled cameras equipped with facial recognition technology, strategically placed at entry points and key locations. These cameras provide real-time monitoring to prevent mishaps and ensure the safety of devotees. A team of 56 cyber warriors is actively monitoring online threats, supported by cyber help desks at all city police stations.
KUMBH Sah’AI’yak CHATBOT
This time, the devotees have also got an AI companion called The Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot to help them nevigate through the event. The cutting-edge AI tool is accessible via the official Maha Kumbh 2025 app or WhatsApp. It offers multilingual support, interactive guidance, personalised navigation, and cultural insights. Visitors can also get real-time updates on rituals, crowd conditions, and emergency alerts.
AI-POWERED SECURITY
- 40,000 police personnel and cybercrime experts at work
- Underwater drones capable of diving up to 100 meters
- Drones reaching heights of 120 meters monitoring crowd movements
- 2,700 AI-enabled cameras equipped with facial recognition technology
- Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot acting as a digital companion for devotees
SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS
In line with the CM’s directives, the Uttar Pradesh police have set up a circular security system with 102 checkpoints along seven critical routes. 1,000 police personnel including 71 inspectors, 234 sub-inspectors, and 645 constables, have been deployed to man these checkpoints.
The Uttar Pradesh police have also implemented a multi-layered security system dubbed “impenetrable security chakravyuh” around Prayagraj to protect key installations, including temples and akhadas.
With the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 on the horizon, authorities are leaving no stone unturned in its preparation. From providing digital QR-based railway tickets to creating an AI-powered lost and found, the Prayagraj Mahakumbh is dubbed as the ‘Digital MahaKumbh that will blend ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology
With the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 on the horizon, Prayagraj is preparing to welcome millions of devotees, but this time, it’s blending age-old traditions with the power of modern technology.
Dubbed the ‘Digital Mahakumbh’, the Prayagraj Mahakumbh is integrating advanced technologies like never before to enhance safety, streamline operations, and enrich the spiritual experience for over 40 crore devotees, who are expected to attend the mega event from January 13 to February 26.
Curious about how AI and technology will transform this year’s Mahakumbh into a digital marvel? Here’s a closer look.
Digital, colour-coded railway tickets
The Prayagraj Railway Division is set to roll out digital railway ticketing for Mahakumbh 2025.
Amit Malviya, senior PRO of Prayagraj Railway Division, shared with ANI that employees from the commercial department will be assigned special duties at Prayagraj Junction, wearing distinctive green jackets with QR codes on the back. Devotees can simply scan these codes with their mobile phones to download the UTS app, allowing them to book tickets without standing in long queues.
The Kumbh Mela is notorious for its massive crowds and deadly stampedes, with several tragic incidents in its past. In 1954, more than 400 people were…
Kumbh Sah’AI’yak, a generative AI tool developed by the Prayagraj Mela Authority and UPDESCO, operates on an open-source large language model provided by Ola’s AI platform, Krutrim. The chatbot offers personalised assistance, real-time updates, travel guidance, and event information, ensuring that visitors enjoy a smooth and informed experience.
“We have implemented robust security and privacy measures to ensure a seamless and safe experience for all attendees,” said Ola Krutrim in a statement.
The chatbot is available through the official Maha Kumbh 2025 mobile app, website, and WhatsApp, ensuring ease of access for users across technological capabilities. Supporting 12 languages, including Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Malayalam, and Bengali, it enables interaction through both text and voice commands.
Key Features:
1. Integration with Google Maps: The chatbot guides users to key locations such as bathing ghats, temples, parking areas, and railway stations.
2. Cultural Insights: It offers historical and traditional information about the Maha Kumbh.
3. Tour and Stay Assistance: Provides details about government-approved packages, local hotels, and sightseeing options.
4. Language Support: Powered by the Bhashini app, it supports 12 Indian languages, ensuring accessibility for a wide audience.
The Maha Kumbh, held every 12 years, is expected to attract over 450 million visitors from across the globe during its 45-day duration from January 13 to February 26, 2025. With this initiative, the government aims to provide a modern yet culturally rooted experience for one of the world’s largest religious congregations.
