Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Spurs Rs 500 Crore In Tax Gains For UP Government

The 45-day Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, which drew an unprecedented 66 crore devotees, contributed nearly Rs 500 crore to the state exchequer through increased GST and VAT collections, with a notable surge in fuel sales, MoneyControl reported.

According to government estimates, in January and February 2025 alone, tax revenues from Maha Kumbh-linked sectors touched Rs 239.47 crore.

Prayagraj led the tally with Rs 146.4 crore, followed by significant gains in Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Noida.

"The Maha Kumbh has contributed around Rs 500 crore in additional GST/VAT to the state exchequer, clearly reflecting the scale and reach of this religious and cultural phenomenon," a senior tax official was quoted as saying by Moneycontrol.

Indian Railways generated Rs 124.6 crore in taxes, while the tent and advertising sectors added Rs 9.38 crore. The hotel industry contributed Rs 7.12 crore, and air travel taxes across UP reached Rs 68.37 crore.

Prayagraj alone accounted for Rs 2.15 crore in TDS, with another Rs 9.3 crore expected to be cleared shortly.

IOC data showed fuel consumption spiked significantly in January and February.

Petrol sales in Prayagraj surged by 81.95 per cent in February. Diesel sales also saw steady growth.

"To meet the surge in demand, Indian Oil operated 123 retail outlets round the clock in and around Prayagraj and along the key routes leading to the Kumbh venue," a senior IOC official was quoted as saying by Moneycontrol.

“These outlets saw a 59.4 per cent rise in petrol sales and 14.8 per cent growth in diesel sales,” the official added.

“The Maha Kumbh is not only a matter of faith but also a driver of economic and infrastructural transformation,” said a senior planning department official.

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