Mahakumbh 2025: Underwater drones, AI cameras, NSG commandos part of security detail; over 45 crore visitors expected

Mahakumbh 2025: Uttar Pradesh Police has set up a multi-layered security system around Prayagraj to protect key installations, including temples and akharas.

Mahakumbh 2025: The Prayagraj police have made massive security arrangements around the city to ensure the safety of over 45 crore people expected to attend Mahakumbh, which takes place once every 12 years.

Prayagraj: Commandos conduct a mock drill ahead of the Mahakumbh 2025, in Prayagraj, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (PTI Photo) (PTI)

Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar said comprehensive security measures are in place for the event which will take place from January 13 to February 26, news agency ANI said. Follow Mahakumbh live updates here

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath had issued directives for a robust security framework surrounding Prayagraj, including key routes connecting the district to neighbouring regions.

Security arrangements for Mahakumbh 2025

• In line with the CM's directives, the police have set up a circular security system with 102 checkpoints along seven critical routes. The security includes checks and frisking of both vehicles and individuals.
• DGP Prashant Kumar said around 40,000 police personnel and cybercrime experts have created a web of surveillance powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to protect and help navigate the sea of humanity at the site, a Reuters report mentioned.
• DGP Prashant Kumar emphasised that Uttar Pradesh Police is committed to ensuring the safety of all participants, saying that over 1,000 police personnel including 71 inspectors, 234 sub-inspectors, and 645 constables, have been deployed to man 102 checkpoints along seven routes connecting Prayagraj district to neighbouring districts.
• Additional resources have been dedicated to security, with 71 inspectors, 234 sub-inspectors, 645 constables, and 113 Home Guards/PRD (Prantiya Rakshak Dal) jawans actively monitoring the event.

• To bolster surveillance, five Vajra vehicles, 10 drones, and four anti-sabotage teams will patrol the area around the clock.

Prayagraj: Devotees at Sangam ahead of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2024. (PTI Photo)(PTI01_12_2025_000057B) (PTI)

• The Uttar Pradesh Police has also implemented a multi-layered security system dubbed “impenetrable security chakravyuh” around Prayagraj to protect key installations, including temples and akhadas.
• To ensure preparedness, mock drills have been conducted in collaboration with the state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), National Security Guard (NSG), and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), alongside UP Police.
• The police are also roping in advanced technology, including underwater drones and AI-enabled cameras. A total of 2,700 AI (artificial intelligence) cameras have been installed around the Kumbh area, and 113 underwater drones will monitor the waterways, according to ANI.

Prayagraj: Devotees arrive at Sangam ahead of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (PTI)

• With over 45 crore devotees expected, the Mahakumbh will conclude on February 26. The main bathing rituals, or Shahi Snan, will take place on key auspicious dates: January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).
• The Mahakumbh, celebrated once every 12 years, is expected to attract millions of pilgrims to the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati river.