The Maha Kumbh Mela, India’s most significant religious event, will take place in Prayagraj from January 13 (Paush Poornima) to February 26 (Maha Shivratri). Held every 12 years, this grand gathering is more than just a spiritual festival; it is a massive economic and business opportunity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Prayagraj to launch development projects worth Rs 5,500 crore. These projects aim to improve the city’s infrastructure and amenities, ensuring a seamless experience for the anticipated 40 crore pilgrims—a significant increase from 25 crore in 2019.
Expanding Infrastructure
The scale of Maha Kumbh 2025 is unparalleled. The mela grounds cover 4,000 hectares, a 20% increase compared to 2019, and are divided into 25 sectors. Key infrastructure developments include:
- Tent City: Doubling its size from 2019, the tent city will accommodate 1.6 lakh tents.
- Ghats and Bridges: The number of pucca ghats has increased from four to nine, while 30 pontoon bridges are being constructed, compared to 22 in 2019.
- Roads and Lighting: Over 400 km of temporary roads, a 35% increase, are being built. The area will be illuminated by 67,000 streetlights, up from 40,000.
- Power and Water Supply: Two new power substations and 66 transformers have been installed. UP Jal Nigam has laid 1,249 km of pipelines to provide uninterrupted water through 200 water ATMs and 85 water booths.
- Sanitation: To maintain hygiene, 1.5 lakh toilets and a workforce of 10,000 safai workers will be deployed. Additionally, over 3 lakh saplings have been planted to create a green environment.
- Transportation: More than 550 shuttle buses, 7,000 roadways buses, and an increased number of bus stations will facilitate pilgrim movement. Railways will operate 13,000 trains, including 3,000 special ones, catering to 1.5-2 crore passengers.
Business Opportunities
Maha Kumbh 2025 presents enormous economic potential. The 2013 event generated revenues of Rs 12,000 crore, while the 2019 edition saw a massive Rs 1.2 lakh crore in revenue, according to a CII report. This time, the economic impact is expected to be even greater.
- Marketing and Branding: Companies are investing heavily, with an estimated Rs 3,000 crore allocated for advertising. Brands like HUL, Coca-Cola, ITC, Paytm, and Emami are setting up stalls, VR zones, and interactive booths to engage millions of attendees.
- Employment: The economic activities around the event are projected to generate substantial employment across various sectors.
Government Investments
The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated Rs 2,500 crore for Maha Kumbh in both the 2024-25 and 2023-24 budgets, a significant increase from Rs 621.55 crore in 2022-23. Additionally, the central government has approved a special grant of Rs 2,100 crore.
Maha Kumbh 2025 is not just a religious gathering but a transformative event that boosts infrastructure, generates employment, and offers unparalleled business opportunities. With comprehensive planning and substantial investments, the event promises to be a landmark occasion, reinforcing Prayagraj’s position as a hub of spirituality and commerce.
