Prayagraj: With the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 fast approaching, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has made significant preparations to ensure seamless communication for millions of devotees and visitors. Telecom infrastructure has been upgraded across the city, Mela area, and key public spaces in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The telecom service providers have been instructed to deploy advanced technology and optimise networks to support the massive influx of people expected to attend the world's largest religious gathering.
Prayagraj City Area
In the Prayagraj City Area, 126 km of optical fibre has been laid throughout the city, enhancing the backbone of the telecom infrastructure. Additionally, 328 new towers and masts have been installed to strengthen coverage across the urban landscape. A total of 575 new Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) across all mobile technologies have been deployed, along with the upgrade of 1,462 existing BTS units, ensuring robust and uninterrupted connectivity during the Mela.
Mela Area
In the Mela area, where an unparalleled gathering of devotees is expected, 192 km of optical fibre cable (OFC) has been laid to provide high-speed, reliable network coverage. To meet the massive demand, 78 transportable towers (CoWs) and 150 outdoor small cell solutions are being deployed, ensuring smooth communication in crowded zones. The deployment of 352 new BTS units, along with the upgrade of 50 existing BTS units, will further fortify the telecom services in the Mela area, offering efficient connectivity for devotees and visitors.
Optimizing Telecom Networks Across Public Spaces and Highways
Telecom services are also being optimised at key public spaces, including major transport hubs such as railway stations, bus stations, airports, holding areas, parking spaces, and highways leading into and out of Prayagraj. Special attention has been given to the Green Corridor, a critical route for smooth traffic flow, ensuring consistent network service in high-traffic zones.
Citizen-Centric Telecom Services
To enhance public safety and convenience, telecom providers have set up 53 help desks across the Mela area. These will support services such as reporting suspected fraudulent communications and blocking lost or stolen mobiles. Electro-magnetic radiation testing has been carried out to ensure that all telecom towers operate within permissible radiation limits, safeguarding public health. Additionally, a Cell Broadcast Alert facility and a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) integrated platform will be used to send emergency alerts, disaster warnings, and general public awareness messages throughout the Mela.
Disaster Management and Preparedness
Three disaster management centres, operated by all four telecom service providers, Airtel, BSNL, Jio, and Vi, have been established in the Mela area to support emergency communications and ensure prompt response during any crisis situation. These centres will be equipped with the latest technology to provide vital communication channels during natural or man-made disasters, ensuring the safety of attendees.
The telecom infrastructure enhancements aim not only to provide seamless connectivity for the Mela but also to enhance the digital experience for devotees, from mobile-based payments to live streaming of religious rituals. With the Kumbh Mela being a major global event, the DoT is committed to ensuring the highest quality of service to meet the needs of millions of pilgrims, visitors, and stakeholders.
BI Bureau
