Mon Dec 30 16:43:13 UTC 2024: ## UP to Employ AI and Tech for Mahakumbh 2025 Pilgrim Tracking

**Prayagraj, India (December 30, 2024)** – The Uttar Pradesh government is deploying advanced technology to manage the expected 450 million pilgrims attending the Mahakumbh 2025, a 45-day religious festival starting January 13th in Prayagraj. The event, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, will utilize a three-pronged approach for crowd monitoring: AI-enabled cameras employing attribute-based search, RFID wristbands for entry/exit tracking, and a mobile app for GPS-based location tracking (with user consent).

Uttar Pradesh Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna announced these measures, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a fully digital Mahakumbh. The initiative includes a dedicated website and app, an AI-powered multilingual chatbot, QR code-based passes, and a digital lost-and-found center. Further technological integrations will encompass ICT monitoring for cleanliness and tent management, software for resource allocation, multilingual digital signage, automated ration supply, drone surveillance, and disaster management. A live software dashboard will monitor 530 projects, and all locations will be integrated onto Google Maps.

To accommodate the massive influx of devotees, 35 existing and nine new ghats (bathing steps) have been constructed. Aerial flower showers are planned across all 44 ghats. Prime Minister Modi also announced a series of events marking the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution, and highlighted the Mahakumbh’s message of unity. A drone show will mark the festival’s opening and closing ceremonies.

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