Ground Report: How Mahakumbh 2025 Is Fixing The Mistakes of Mahakumbh 2013

Dear Reader,

Imagine 40 crore people in an area of 40 sq km over 46 days. Most would predict disaster. But Mahakumbh 2025 at Prayagraj? It's turning that prediction on its head.

After the 2013 Kumbh Mela's tragic stampedes and fire incidents, this year's Mahakumbh is a masterclass in mass gathering management.

From distributing crowds across railway stations to installing 10,000 fire extinguishers, 1.2 lakh toilets, 30 pontoon bridges, and digital parking monitoring, the preparation is surgical.

According to participants, it boils down to the difference between an indifferent (like in 2013) and a sympathetic (such as the present) administration.

It doesn't end there. With participation from diverse groups, including the Kinnar Akhada - a monastic order of hijras - Mahakumbh is a story of inclusivity.

The stakes are high - 549 projects, Rs 6,990 crore investment, and expected economic impact of Rs 2 lakh crore.

My colleague Ankit Saxena has been on ground at the Mahakumbh and here's his report on how India might be developing a new template for managing massive public gatherings — How Mahakumbh 2025 Fixes The Mistakes of Mahakumbh 2013.

Have a nice day ahead,

- Anmol N Jain