Mahakumbh 2025: How Yogi Adityanath’s UP Police is ensuring security of devotees in Prayagraj

As the much-awaited Mahakumbh Mela kicks off today in a grand scale after a gap of 12 years, the Uttar Pradesh Police (UP Police) and the state government are in full preparation to ensure safety and security of the devotees who are flocking from across the globe to attend the world’s largest religious gathering. The Uttar Pradesh Police will also be aided by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Central Armed Police Force to maintain order and ensure the safety of pilgrims.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has declared Mahakumbh Nagar as a separate district temporarily for four months to ensure smooth administration for the world’s biggest congregation. Mahakumbh Nagar, UP’s 76^th district has its own power backup, water distribution network and public transport system.

Police personnel deployed

Around 30,000 police personnel have been deployed from 70 districts of the state to ensure a smooth functioning of the Mahakumbh and security of the pilgrims.

Floating Police Chowki

A special floating police chowki has been set up by the Uttar Pradesh Police to cater to complaints and assist the devotees attending the Mahakumbh Mela 2025. The floating chowki will provide on-the-spot assistance and enhance safety of pilgrims during the holy festival. Strategically stationed on the river, this mobile police unit will provide a rapid response to emergencies and serve as a central hub for guidance, lost-and-found assistance, and maintaining order.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh police built a special floating police chowki to help devotees as the 45-day #Mahakumbh2025 begins with the auspicious Paush Purnima, today pic.twitter.com/1JE2tzQ8mH

— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2025

“Ensuring the safety and convenience of devotees is our top priority… The floating chowki is equipped with essential safety gear, communication systems, and officers trained to handle water-based operations,” a senior police official told the media.

AI-powered cameras

The UP Police have installed 2,700 Artificial Intelligence-powered (AI) cameras to keep surveillance on the expected 45 crores devotees at the Mahakumbh.

Underwater drones for surveillance during holy bath

During the Mahakumbh festival, devotees flock the ghats to take a dip at the Holy Triveni Sangam, which is the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the Saraswati rivers. The main bathing rituals include the Shahi Snan (royal bath), which will take place on January 14 on the occassion of Makar Sankranti, January 29 during the Mauni Amavasya and on February 3 during Basant Panchami.

For the first time, underwater drones will be used for providing real-time surveillance. This measure has been taken to ensure safety and security of the devotees especially when they take a dip in the Holy Ganga River.

Road and river ambulances for health emergencies

At least 125 road ambulances and seven river ambulances have been deployed by the Uttar Pradesh Government exclusively for the Mahakumbh to cater to health emergencies during the festival.

Boat ambulances with CSR support

IIFL Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of IIFL Group recently announced that it has partnered with Mahakumbh Mela authorities to launch fifteen boat ambulances for first-aid and emergency medical attention during the ongoing forty-five day festival in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. In collaboration with Bharat Scouts and Guides, IIFL Foundation will deliver first-aid emergency health support on these boat ambulances, supported by a dedicated fifty-member strong team. Additionally, the Foundation has also established a health centre equipped with two qualified doctors and essential medical equipment to further enhance the healthcare services available to the pilgrims, as per the announcement.

Madhu Jain, Director of IIFL Foundation, stated, “IIFL Foundation has launched these one-of-a-kind boat-ambulance services to ensure faster response times and provide on-board treatment for pilgrims needing immediate medical attention while travelling on the rivers and taking a dip at the Triveni Sangam. We are grateful for the support and guidance of the Uttar Pradesh Government and Mela Adhikari Shri Vijay Kiran Anand, IAS, and other senior officials managing the Mahakumbh for being a part of the boat ambulance services idea from the conceptualization stage to approval and execution.”

Mahakumbh Special Trains

Indian Railways is also doing its bit to ensure hassle-free travel for crores of pilgrims visiting the Mahakumbh. The Railways will be running 13,000 trains, including 3,000 special days, for a span of over 50 days.

IRCTC’s ‘tent city’

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has established makeshift hospitals and medical booths at all major railway stations ahead of Mahakumbh. These hospitals and medical booths are equipped with trained medical staff to provide first aid and cater to medical emergencies.

Mahakumbh Mela 2025

Around one crore pilgrims took the holy dip at Triveni Sangam till 9am on Monday, as per information from government sources. Mahakumbh, which commenced today is expected to experience a footfall of around 45 crore people over the next 45 days. The grand spiritual festival began on Paush Purnima (13^th January), with pilgrims taking holy dips in the sacred confluence (Triveni Sangam) of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj. The Mahakumbh Mela festival comprising a series of ritual baths by Hindu saints, seers and pilgrims ends on 26^th February.