Case Study Economic and Digital Impact of Maha Kumbh on Uttar Pradesh’s Economy and Role of the Unsung Heroes

The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years in Prayagraj, India, is renowned as the world’s largest religious gathering, attracting hundreds of millions of devotees over a span of approximately 45 days. In 2025, the event attracted an unprecedented number of pilgrims and tourists, significantly influencing the state’s economic landscape. This case study examines the economic and digital impact of the 2025 Maha Kumbh on Uttar Pradesh, focusing on tourism, employment, infrastructure development, and revenue generation.

The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela, often referred to as the “Digital Maha Kumbh,” showcased a remarkable integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and platforms to enhance organization, monitoring, data-driven decision-making, safety, and security. The success of this mega-event was not just the result of meticulous planning and high-level leadership but was also shaped by the tireless efforts of sanitation workers, security personnel, paramilitary forces, and disaster response teams. These unsung heroes worked round the clock, often under extreme conditions, to ensure a safe, clean, and well-managed experience for every visitor.

Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Yogi: The Double Engine Behind Maha Kumbh 2025’s Success

Maha Kumbh 2025, the world’s largest religious congregation, was not just a spiritual gathering but a testament to India’s capability to organize an event of unparalleled magnitude. At the heart of this grand success was the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Their combined vision, governance, and meticulous planning ensured that Maha Kumbh 2025 was not only spiritually enriching but also a benchmark for infrastructure development, security, and economic growth.The success of Maha Kumbh 2025 was driven by a well-coordinated effort between the central and state governments, which worked as a ‘double engine’ for progress. PM Modi’s commitment to cultural and religious tourism played a crucial role in garnering national and international attention, while CM Yogi Adityanath’s hands-on approach ensured flawless execution on the ground.

Economic Contributions: A Spiritual Gathering with Economic Ripples

Tourism: The Lifeline of the Maha Kumbh Economy

Tourism remains at the core of the Kumbh economy. The 2025 edition saw a record-breaking 65 crore (650 million) visitors over 45 days, providing an enormous boost to the hospitality sector. Hotels, guesthouses, and temporary accommodations witnessed full occupancy, while local businesses—restaurants, eateries, and transport services—benefited immensely. The influx of foreign tourists further cemented Uttar Pradesh’s status as a global spiritual tourism hub. The estimated revenue from tourism alone exceeded ₹1.5 lakh crore ($18 billion), reinforcing the economic significance of the festival.

Employment: Creating Opportunities at All Levels

Maha Kumbh 2025 has been a significant driver of employment, creating over 600,000 temporary and permanent jobs. From hospitality and transport to event management and security, job opportunities flourished. Approximately 45,000 families found employment in setting up tents, sanitation, and logistical support. Additionally, the local handicraft industry saw a turnover of ₹35 crore ($4.4 million), benefitting artisans and small business owners selling religious souvenirs and handcrafted items. The festival has played a crucial role in sustaining the informal economy, providing livelihoods to thousands of vendors, boatmen, and service providers.

Infrastructure Development: A Lasting Legacy

One of the most significant takeaways from Maha Kumbh 2025 has been the lasting impact of infrastructure investments. The Uttar Pradesh government allocated ₹6,382 crore ($765 million) to enhance roads, bridges, sanitation, and public facilities in Prayagraj. Key projects, such as a six-lane bridge over the Ganga River and a ₹275 crore ($34 million) four-lane railway overbridge, significantly improved connectivity. Additionally, the mela grounds featured 150,000 toilets, 3,000 kitchens, and 11 hospitals to accommodate the massive crowd. These developments not only ensured a smoother event but will continue benefiting residents and visitors for years to come.

Revenue Generation and Economic Ripple Effect

The Uttar Pradesh government reaped substantial financial benefits from Maha Kumbh 2025. Direct and indirect revenue generation exceeded ₹25,000 crore ($3.1 billion), driven by taxes from the hospitality, transport, and retail sectors. Financial transactions at the mela site alone ranged between ₹2 lakh crore ($25 billion) and ₹3 lakh crore ($37.5 billion), highlighting the event’s massive contribution to the state’s GDP. This economic ripple effect extended across multiple industries, strengthening overall economic activity in the region.

Cultural and Global Promotion

PM Modi’s vision of promoting India’s rich cultural heritage was evident as Maha Kumbh 2025 gained global recognition. International delegations, NRIs, and global media highlighted the event’s scale and spiritual significance. CM Yogi’s strong administrative focus ensured that the event upheld the traditions of the Kumbh while incorporating modern advancements for better management

Technological Innovations and Implementations

1. Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCC): Four ICCCs were established, serving as central hubs for traffic management, crowd control, security, emergency response, sanitation, healthcare, and public communication. These centers operated 24/7, utilizing advanced technologies like AI, chatbots, live surveillance, and CCTV cameras to provide real-time insights and facilitate proactive decision-making.
2. AI-Powered Surveillance and Crowd Management: Approximately 2,760 CCTV cameras, including over 250 AI-enabled units, were deployed across the 4,000-hectare Mela grounds. These cameras monitored crowd density, detected surges, and identified potential hazards, enabling authorities to prevent stampedes and manage large gatherings effectively.
3. Facial Recognition Technology: AI-based facial recognition systems played a crucial role in reuniting lost individuals with their families. For instance, when a devotee was separated from her family, authorities used facial recognition software to locate them within hours, demonstrating the system’s efficacy.
4. Underwater Drones and Jal Police: To ensure the safety of pilgrims during ritual baths, underwater drones capable of operating at depths up to 100 meters were deployed to monitor water activities and provide real-time alerts in case of accidents. Additionally, around 4,000 Jal Police personnel, equipped with advanced tools like sonar systems and lifebuoys, were stationed to patrol the riverbanks and respond swiftly to emergencies.
5. Mobile Applications and AI Chatbots: The MahaKumbh Mela 2025 App provided pilgrims with information on attractions, food spots, and general guidance. An AI-powered chatbot, “Kumbh SahAIak,” offered real-time assistance in multiple languages, helping devotees navigate the event seamlessly. These applications also featured SOS buttons, connecting users directly to emergency services when needed.
6. Smart Traffic and Waste Management: AI-based systems were implemented to monitor and manage traffic flow, ensuring smooth movement within the Mela area. Intelligent waste detection technologies optimized sanitation services, maintaining cleanliness across the vast grounds.
7. Digital Lost-and-Found Centers: Ten digital ‘khoya-paaya kendras’ (lost-and-found centers) utilized advanced technology, including facial recognition, to reunite separated individuals quickly and efficiently. Information about missing persons was shared on social media platforms, expediting the process of locating and reuniting them with their families.

Impact and Outcomes of the Digital Interventions:

The integration of these ICT tools and platforms transformed the management of the Maha Kumbh Mela, setting a new benchmark for large-scale event organization. The AI-powered surveillance and crowd management systems significantly enhanced safety, reducing the likelihood of accidents and enabling swift responses to emergencies. The use of mobile applications and AI chatbots improved the overall experience for pilgrims, providing them with accessible information and assistance. The successful implementation of these technologies demonstrated the potential of digital solutions in managing massive gatherings, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of attendees.

The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela exemplified how visionary leadership, meticulous planning, interdepartmental coordination, and the widespread use of technology, including AI, can facilitate the successful execution of an event of such colossal magnitude. The “Digital Maha Kumbh” not only honored a centuries-old tradition but also showcased India’s capability to integrate modern technology with cultural heritage, paving the way for future events worldwide.

The Unsung Heroes of Maha Kumbh 2025 – The Pillars of a Grand Success

Sanitation Workers: Guardians of Cleanliness and Hygiene

With over 65 crore visitors arriving over 45 days, sanitation was one of the biggest challenges of Maha Kumbh 2025. It was the relentless efforts of thousands of sanitation workers that ensured the mela remained clean and hygienic despite the overwhelming crowds.

• Massive Infrastructure Management: Over 150,000 temporary toilets, 3,000 community kitchens, and numerous waste disposal sites were maintained with utmost efficiency.
• Waste Management Warriors: Workers collected and disposed of hundreds of tons of waste daily, ensuring that the Ganga and its surroundings remained pollution-free.
• Health and Hygiene Advocates: Street cleaners and sanitation teams played a crucial role in preventing the outbreak of diseases, working in hazardous conditions to safeguard public health.

Despite their vital role, sanitation workers often remain the least acknowledged. Their service during Maha Kumbh deserves immense gratitude and institutional recognition.

Security Personnel: The Protectors of Peace

Maha Kumbh 2025 was a logistical challenge of an unprecedented scale, requiring an extraordinary level of security. The event saw an unparalleled deployment of police officers, paramilitary forces, and disaster response teams, ensuring order and discipline in an environment bustling with millions of people.

• 24/7 Vigilance: Over 22,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed across the festival grounds, railway stations, and ghats, ensuring round-the-clock security.
• AI and Surveillance: Officers worked alongside advanced AI-driven surveillance systems and facial recognition technology to manage crowds and prevent untoward incidents.
• Handling Emergencies: From managing lost pilgrims to diffusing potential threats, security personnel worked tirelessly to uphold safety while maintaining the sanctity of the event.

The dedication of these forces ensured that Maha Kumbh 2025 remained peaceful, making it a global benchmark in crowd management and event security.

Disaster Response Teams: The Silent Saviors

Managing a crowd of this magnitude comes with unpredictable challenges, from medical emergencies to potential natural disasters. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with state disaster response teams, played a crucial role in handling crises efficiently.

• Rapid Medical Assistance: With over 11 temporary hospitals and thousands of medical personnel, emergency health services were available at every corner of the mela.
• Stampede and Fire Prevention: Quick response teams ensured rapid intervention in overcrowded areas, minimizing risks of stampedes and fire hazards.
• Flood and Drowning Prevention: Water rescue teams patrolled the Ganga day and night, preventing drowning incidents and ensuring the safety of devotees taking the holy dip.

A Call for Recognition and Respect

While spiritual leaders and policymakers receive much of the credit for the successful execution of Maha Kumbh, it is imperative that we acknowledge and honor these unsung heroes. The sanitation workers who kept the grounds clean, the police and security forces who ensured safety, and the disaster response teams who prevented tragedies—each played an indispensable role in making this event a triumph.

It is time to move beyond mere words of appreciation. The government and society must take concrete steps to recognize their contributions:

• Financial Incentives and Better Working Conditions: Providing fair wages, health benefits, and protective gear for sanitation workers and security personnel.
• Public Recognition: Honoring exemplary service through awards, public acknowledgments, and media coverage.
• Long-term Employment Opportunities: Offering permanent job opportunities to temporary workers who serve in such large-scale events.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite its overwhelming success, Maha Kumbh 2025 also posed several challenges. Crowd management remained a major concern, with reports of a tragic stampede underscoring the need for better safety measures. Environmental concerns, particularly waste management and water pollution must be addressed through sustainable policies. Additionally, ensuring the efficient allocation of funds for long-term infrastructure improvements is crucial for maximizing the benefits of such large-scale events.

Conclusion

The Maha Kumbh 2025 significantly bolstered Uttar Pradesh’s economy through increased tourism, employment, infrastructure development, and revenue generation. Balancing cultural and economic benefits with these challenges is crucial for future editions of the Kumbh continue to bring prosperity to the state and its people.Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership in Maha Kumbh 2025 reaffirmed their commitment to cultural preservation, economic growth, and infrastructural development. Their ‘double engine’ governance transformed the event into a global marvel, proving that when visionary leadership and efficient execution come together, history is made. With this remarkable success, the legacy of Maha Kumbh has been elevated, ensuring that future editions continue to reflect India’s spiritual and administrative prowess on the world stage.

Maha Kumbh 2025 will be remembered as a landmark event in India’s spiritual and administrative history. But beyond the grand celebrations and economic impact, we must remember those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. The success of the Kumbh was not just built on devotion and planning but on the sweat, sacrifice, and dedication of these unsung heroes. Let us ensure that their contributions are never forgotten but celebrated as an integral part of this historic event. Maha Kumbh 2025 set a new benchmark for future editions, demonstrating how a blend of tradition and technology can create a seamless experience for pilgrims. The Modi-Yogi partnership exemplifies how a strong central-state synergy can drive large-scale events to success.

(The views expressed are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the position of the organisation)