Preparations for the grand Maha Kumbh 2025 are in full swing under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, as the world eyes this upcoming monumental event in Uttar Pradesh.
Among the many efforts underway, the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) in Prayagraj is being upgraded to ensure smooth management and enhanced safety for the millions of pilgrims expected to attend Kumbh 2025.
Originally established during Kumbh 2019, the ICCC played a pivotal role in the successful organisation of the event, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as AI, chatbots, live surveillance, and CCTV monitoring. However, with Maha Kumbh 2025 poised to be even more grand and expansive, the government has initiated significant upgrades to the ICCC to accommodate the scale and ensure seamless operations.
Chief Minister Adityanath, during his recent visit to Prayagraj, personally inspected the progress of the ICCC upgrade and directed officials to expedite the work. Reflecting his vision of merging heritage with development, the upgraded ICCC aims to combine state-of-the-art technology with traditional cultural practices, ensuring a secure and efficient experience for pilgrims.
A government spokesperson outlined the works being done. He said the installation of 1,650 new CCTV cameras for comprehensive monitoring is ongoing and deployment of 24 APNR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras and 40 VMCD (Vehicle Monitoring and Control Devices) has been done. Additionally, he said 268 and 240 AI-based components for crowd management and vehicle tracking are being added.
In more upgradation, Call Centre capacity has been increased by 20 seats for faster resolution of queries, 100 smart parking systems have been introduced for efficient vehicle management, and dedicated viewing and monitoring facilities at Arail and Jhunsi are being constructed to aid the ICCC Mela and MCR Centres.
Apart from that, for monitoring of railway stations, AI-controlled CCTV cameras are being installed to manage crowds at nine railway stations; a 24/7 Helpline Service will start working soon and a dedicated 1920 helpline will commence operations on December 1 to assist pilgrims with inquiries and grievances.
The ICCC upgrade is being carried out with the collaboration of top engineering institutes across the country, ensuring cutting-edge solutions are implemented. The Maha Kumbh 2025 promises to uphold the tradition of this ancient gathering while setting a benchmark in technological integration and crowd management.
On Friday, a prelude program for Maha Kumbh 2025 was held at the Ashoka Hotel in Delhi, featuring Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh.
Shekhawat lauded the Yogi Adityanath government for its comprehensive planning for this grand cultural and spiritual gathering. He emphasized that the Uttar Pradesh government has the full support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India.
Shekhawat noted that Maha Kumbh holds immense significance for India's civilization, culture, and Sanatan Dharma. He assured that extensive efforts are underway to ensure a seamless experience for all devotees.
CWG 2026: Preeti, Jaismine, Sakshi, Sachin win as India rule boxing ring with seven gold
Indian boxing scripted history at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow on Saturday by bagging seven gold medals — the highest-ever gold haul for the country in the competition.
Five NE states record below-normal monsoon rainfall in June-July despite widespread floods
Even as several Northeastern states were battered by heavy rains, floods and landslides during July, five of the region's eight states recorded below-normal monsoon rainfall so far due to weak rain-bearing systems over the Bay of Bengal, the absence of active monsoon troughs and the influence of El Nino, India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials said on Saturday.
Blood donation movement witnessing a renaissance in Tripura: CM
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that there is currently a renaissance in the blood donation movement in the state. Along with creating a sense of spirituality through blood donation, a sweet bond is developed between the blood donor and the recipient.
Residents allege irregularities in Dharmanagar–Kailashahar road repair work, seek official inquiry
Allegations of irregularities have surfaced in the ongoing maintenance work on the Dharmanagar–Kailashahar road, with local residents claiming that the project is not being executed in accordance with the approved work order. They have urged the authorities to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter.
Sports Minister inspects construction of youth hostel in Kailashahar
Tripura Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Tinku Roy on Saturday inspected the ongoing construction of a 200-bed Youth Hostel at Ward No. 14 of the Kailashahar Municipal Council in Unakoti district. Senior officials of the concerned department accompanied the minister during the visit.
Infant found dead in well in North district
A pall of grief and shock has descended on North Gopalpur village in North Tripura district after the body of a 12-day-old baby girl was recovered from a well early on Saturday morning.
Ahmedabad to officially receive Commonwealth Games Flag, Host Baton at Glasgow closing ceremony
Ahmedabad's preparations to host the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games will formally begin on Sunday when the city receives the Commonwealth Games flag and the Host Baton during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
AGMC to be top medical, research centre in NE: Tripura CM
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday said the state government is working relentlessly to transform the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital into one of the best medical education, research and super-speciality healthcare institutions in Northeast India, while strengthening the state’s overall healthcare ecosystem.