PRAYAGRAJ: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and launched multiple development projects worth around ₹5,500 crore at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude towards the employees, shramiks and safai karmacharis who have made the Mahakumbh a grand success with their hard work and dedication. Reflecting on the magnificent scale and size of the Mahakumbh, the Prime Minister said that it is one of the largest gatherings in the world where lakhs of devotees are welcomed daily for the Mahayajna lasting 45 days and a whole new city is set up for the occasion. The Prime Minister inaugurated various projects for Mahakumbh 2025. It includes various rail and road projects like 10 new Road Over Bridges (RoBs) or flyovers, permanent Ghats and riverfront roads, among others, to boost infrastructure and provide seamless connectivity in Prayagraj.
In line with his commitment towards Swachh and Nirmal Ganga, the Prime Minister also inaugurated projects of interception, tapping, diversion and treatment of minor drains leading to river Ganga which will ensure zero discharge of untreated water into the river. He also inaugurated various infrastructure projects related to drinking water and power.
The Prime Minister inaugurated major temple corridors which include Bharadwaj Ashram corridor, Shringverpur Dham corridor, Akshayvat corridor, Hanuman Mandir corridor among others. These projects will ensure ease of access to devotees and also boost spiritual tourism. The Prime Minister launched the Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot that will provide details to give guidance and updates on the events to devotees on Mahakumbh Mela 2025.
Modi noted the significant advancements in technology that will shape the upcoming Maha Kumbh 2025. He pointed out that compared to previous years, smartphone users have increased and data is much cheaper than in 2013. He said that with user-friendly apps available, even those with limited tech knowledge can utilize them easily, referring to the launch of ‘Kumbh Sahayak’ chatbot, marking the first use of AI and chatbot technology for Kumbh, capable of communicating in eleven Indian languages.
He suggested leveraging data and technology to engage more people, such as organizing photography competitions that capture the essence of Kumbh as a symbol of unity. These photographs shared widely on social media, would create an immense visual canvas, blending countless emotions and colors. Additionally, he proposed organizing contests focused on spirituality and nature, which would further enhance the appeal of Kumbh, especially among the youth.
The Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak were present among other dignitaries.
