Maha Kumbh: A Major Economic Catalyst for Uttar Pradesh

CM Yogi Adityanath Hails Maha Kumbh as a Symbol of Uttar Pradesh’s Cultural and Economic Prosperity

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has described the historic Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj as a testament to the state’s cultural and economic strength. He highlighted that by 2025, over 500 million devotees would have participated in the sacred event, demonstrating Uttar Pradesh’s administrative efficiency and organizational prowess. He emphasized that the Maha Kumbh is fulfilling the deeply rooted spiritual aspirations of millions, while also boosting the state’s economy with an estimated benefit of ₹3 lakh crore.

Seamless Land Lease for Maha Kumbh

The Chief Minister stated that the Maha Kumbh is organized on land owned by the Ministry of Defence, and for the past eight years, the Uttar Pradesh government has been able to lease this land with ease. This year, for the first time, devotees have been granted access to historically restricted sites such as Akshayavat, Patalpuri, and Saraswati Koop, further enhancing the significance of the event.

Infrastructure Development: New Flyovers in Lucknow

In addition to his remarks on Maha Kumbh, CM Yogi Adityanath, alongside Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated two major four-lane flyovers in Lucknow. These include:

Indira Nagar Sector 25 to Khurramnagar-Kalyanpur Flyover: A 3-km stretch constructed at a cost of ₹270 crore.
Polytechnic to Munshi Pulia Chauraha Flyover: A 2-km stretch built at a cost of ₹170 crore.

Additionally, the event marked the launch and foundation laying of 114 development projects totaling ₹588 crore. The Chief Minister reiterated the commitment of the “double-engine” government to transforming Lucknow into both an Aerocity and an Artificial Intelligence hub.

Advancing Uttar Pradesh with Cutting-Edge Infrastructure

Addressing a public gathering, CM Yogi credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for making Uttar Pradesh a state equipped with modern infrastructure and advanced public services. He announced that Lucknow has received projects worth over ₹1,000 crore, including two major national highway projects worth ₹440 crore and various state projects worth nearly ₹600 crore. He assured that efforts are underway to develop Lucknow on par with India’s metro cities.

Enhanced Connectivity and Efficient Management at Maha Kumbh

CM Yogi stressed the remarkable logistical planning behind the Maha Kumbh. To accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims, enhanced connectivity via road, rail, and air has been established. Key measures include:

40 regular flights connecting Prayagraj with major Indian cities.
Hundreds of special trains operated by the railways to facilitate pilgrim transport.
Expanded road networks approved by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, significantly easing the flow of devotees.

On Mauni Amavasya, approximately 80 million devotees took a holy dip at the Sangam, and despite the enormous crowd, the event was managed smoothly, reflecting the efficiency of the double-engine government.

CM Yogi underscored that Maha Kumbh is not just a religious spectacle but a critical economic driver for Uttar Pradesh. He estimated that the event will contribute nearly ₹3 lakh crore to the state’s economy. Addressing critics who question the expenditure on Kumbh, he emphasized that the ₹1,500 crore spent on the event is an investment in Prayagraj’s holistic revival. The economic returns, he noted, will far surpass the initial investment, bolstering tourism, trade, and overall development in the region.