Maha Kumbh eyes 60 cr footfall, event set to generate Rs 3 lakh crore in trade
Times of India | 22 February 2025
Prayagraj: With an overwhelming number of pilgrims visiting the ongoing Maha Kumbh, the UP govt expects it to generate more than Rs 3 lakh crore in trade. The initial expectation of having 40 crore devotees has increased to 60 crore.
CM Yogi Adityanath on Friday corroborated the statement by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on the boost of Rs 3 lakh crore it is expected to bring to the state's economy. The initial expectation was that it would attract 40 crore devotees and generate Rs 2 lakh crore in trade.
The economic impact is not just limited to Prayagraj where Maha Kumbh was organised. Cities and towns within a 150-km radius also saw a surge in business activity. Additionally, religious hubs like Ayodhya and Varanasi witnessed an increase in pilgrims, further strengthening their local economies.
Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) in-charge Amit Kumar said they will use the data collected via AI cameras to analyse and ensure better crowd management and implementation of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in the next Kumbh.
Around 250 AI cameras are being used this time.. AI cameras calculate crowd density to estimate the number of people at a particular time and place. There are a total 2,700 cameras.
The CCTVs are being monitored by 400 people in the four ICCCs. These centres have big screens with live visuals streamed from the CCTVs, which are being monitored round the clock by a team of policemen.
Asked about the Jan 29 stampede that killed 30 people while injuring at least 60, Kumar said they took charge of the situation within a very short period.
The UP govt invested Rs 7,500 crore in road, flyover and underpass development in Prayagraj, out of which Rs 1,500 crore was specifically allocated for Maha Kumbh preparations. According to officials, these efforts have not only improved infrastructure and traffic management in Prayagraj but also benefited neighbouring areas.
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