The Uttar Pradesh government is ramping up preparations for the grand Maha Kumbh Mela, scheduled to begin on January 13, 2025, in Prayagraj. Among the many initiatives, mounted police units featuring both foreign and Indian breed horses will be deployed to manage crowds and ensure the safety of millions of devotees.
Foreign and Indian Breed Horses to Enhance Crowd Control Measures
To enhance security and streamline crowd management, the state government is introducing American Balm Blood and England's Thro breed horses, alongside indigenous Indian breeds. A total of 130 horses will be deployed during the event, with 70 already arriving in Prayagraj. Each horse undergoes six months of rigorous training to operate effectively in crowded environments such as fairs and traffic zones.
The American Balm Blood horses, known for their keen eyesight and intelligence, offer excellent surveillance capabilities, enabling riders to navigate and monitor vast areas with ease. Similarly, the England Thro breed, prized for its agility, will add to the effectiveness of the mounted police force. Four Balm Blood horses, each costing approximately ₹6.5 lakh, have been included in the team, along with 40 Thro breed horses. The remaining horses belong to indigenous Indian breeds, chosen for their adaptability and endurance.
Infrastructure Overhaul for Smooth Operations
In addition to crowd management measures, significant infrastructure upgrades are underway. To ensure the safe and efficient management of crowds during the event, Indian Railways is working on eliminating 21 level-crossing gates in Prayagraj. This infrastructure upgrade is part of a larger initiative aimed at improving traffic flow in the region. According to Shashi Kant Tripathi, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Central Railway, the project has been allocated a substantial budget of Rs.450 crores. Progress on this initiative is significant, with 15 gates already completed and the remaining six scheduled for completion by December 2024.
Transport and Emergency Response
Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh government has stepped up efforts to enhance travel convenience for devotees attending the Maha Kumbh. To this end, 350 shuttle buses have been introduced to ensure reliable and seamless transportation. A dedicated task force comprising 22 officers has been deployed to manage and monitor these operations, ensuring optimal efficiency and traveler satisfaction. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have also been stationed along seven key routes leading to Prayagraj to address emergencies promptly.
Dayashankar Singh, Minister of State for Transport (Independent Charge), emphasized the importance of these measures, stating that they aim to provide a hassle-free experience for visitors and devotees attending the Maha Kumbh.
With comprehensive planning, including mounted police units, infrastructure enhancements, and streamlined transportation, the Uttar Pradesh government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a secure and well-organized Maha Kumbh 2025.