On Tuesday, the Centre disbursed the first installment of ₹1,050 crore from the ₹2,100 crore grant for the upcoming Maha Kumbh, as stated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the assistance.
Adityanath highlighted that with the effective guidance of Prime Minister Modi, the “double-engine” government is focused on making the ‘Prayagraj Mahakumbh-2025’ the largest cultural and spiritual gathering in the world, grand and divine.
He mentioned, “In this context, the Central government has approved a special grant of ₹2,100 crore, with ₹1,050 crore being released today. This funding will help ensure a clean, safe, and well-organized Mahakumbh for the devotees,” in a post on X.
Adityanath also expressed his “heartfelt gratitude” to the Prime Minister for this support, which will help bring the vision of a “divine-grand-digital Mahakumbh” to life.
The Maha Kumbh, held once every 12 years, will take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. Official projections estimate that approximately 45 crore visitors will attend the event.
An official statement stated that the central grant was provided following a special request from the UP government for one-time financial aid to ensure the safe and successful organization of the grand event.
The UP government has earmarked ₹5,435.68 crore for organizing Maha Kumbh 2025, which will be utilized across 421 projects to create a world-class event. So far, ₹3,461.99 crore has been approved for implementation, according to the statement.
Additionally, ₹1,636 crore is being allocated to 125 projects from budgets of essential departments, including Public Works, Housing and Urban Planning, Bridge Corporation, Tourism, Irrigation, and Prayagraj Municipal Corporation.
These projects will focus on infrastructure development, such as the construction and improvement of roads, railway overbridges, underpasses, erosion control along riverbanks, interlocking roadways, riverfront development, and the beautification of major intersections as part of a themed plan.
Moreover, Prayagraj is being transformed into a top-tier smart city with the help of Smart City projects and the Prayagraj Development Authority. The initiative also includes IT-based monitoring systems and the provision of clean drinking water for pilgrims.
