Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 7 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Jan Ashray Sthal in Prayagraj on Saturday, in preparation for the Mahakumbh, which will commence on January 13, 2025.

Earlier in the day, the Uttar Pradesh CM also chaired a meeting with officials to review the ongoing preparations for Mahakumbh 2025 at Circuit House in Prayagraj.

The Mahakumbh will begin with the Paush Purnima Snan on January 13, 2025, and conclude with the final bath on February 26, 2025, the day of Mahashivratri.

Focusing on providing better facilities to devotees during Mahakumbh 2025, the authorities are constructing a special floating jetty at Sangam, allowing devotees to take comfortable baths and change clothes conveniently.

Additionally, a large number of specialist doctors are being deployed to ensure the health of everyone, including devotees and saints. As part of this initiative, a 100-bed hospital is nearing completion at the Parade Ground in Mahakumbh Nagar.

Natural huts and tents with modern facilities will also be built in Prayagraj to provide comfortable accommodations for visiting devotees. These tents will be constructed to world-class standards, offering five-star hotel-like facilities.

The tent city will provide accommodations in four categories: Villa, Maharaja, Swiss Cottage, and Dormitory, with prices ranging from INR 1,500 to INR 35,000 per day. Additional charges of INR 4,000 to INR 8,000 will apply for extra guests (excluding dormitories). This ambitious project aims to cater to the expected 45 crore visitors from 75 countries.

In a significant move toward ensuring smooth, safe, and eco-friendly travel for the millions of devotees expected at the 2025 Mahakumbh Mela, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced the launch of an online booking system for electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws) and e-autos.

The initiative, aimed at reducing the event's carbon footprint, is part of the state's broader vision of creating a 'Green Mahakumbh.'

Starting from December 15 this year, devotees will be able to easily book e-rickshaws and e-autos through a dedicated app, similar to popular ride-hailing platforms such as Uber and Ola.

With this new initiative, Mahakumbh Mela 2025 is set to be a landmark event, not just for its religious significance but also as a model of sustainable tourism.   

(ANI)