The Kumbh Mela 2019 is one of the grandest in history. As such, the Yogi government has left nothing to chance in organizing this historic event. According to media reports, The Yogi government has decided to spend Rs 2800 crore for the Mela which is far more than the Rs 1214 crore spent by the then SP government in 2013. A humongous 250 km roads and close to 22 pontoon bridges (1,795 pontoons were used) have been set up in Prayagraj, comfortably making it the largest temporary city in the world. For the first time ever, a devotee can reach the Mela by four routes, i.e Air, railway, road and river. The Inland Waterways Authority of India has set up four floating terminals and two vessels to enable pilgrim movement.
The investment and the impeccable preparation by the Yogi government are set to yield great returns. According to the Confederation of Indian Industry, the Yogi government is expected to generate more than Rs 1.2 lakh crore revenue through the Kumbh Mela. The CII report states, “Although the Kumbh Mela is spiritual and religious in nature, the economic activities associated with it generate employment for over six lakh workers across various sectors.”
The CII report further states that The hospitality sector aims at employing 2,50,000 people, airlines and airports around 1,50,000 and tour operators around 45,000. The employment numbers in eco-tourism and medical tourism are being estimated at 85,000. Apart from this, 55,000 thousand new jobs would be created in informal sector.
The UP government has invested in massive infrastructure development projects centred around Kumbh Mela festivities including upgrading the transportation of the devotees coming to the Kumbh from around the world. o carry the pilgrims from the city centre to the riverbank, the government will ply around 542 shuttle buses which will be free of cost. The buses will be stopped at the parking area and then there will be decorated e-rickshaws waiting to ply the pilgrims around the Kumbh area. The buses will be would be parked around 4 km away from the main mela spot at Phaphamau and from there the e-rickshaws will carry the devotees. Rows of chequered plates have been placed along the planks to facilitate their movement.
Over 130 million people are expected to attend the Kumbh Mela and the BJP ruled governments both at the state and the centre are pulling out all stops to ensure a smooth mela. PM Modi recently has been questioned repeatedly about what has his government for Hindus? PM Modi has yet again, answered his critics in style in what promises to be a riveting festival.