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, with upgrades to telecom infrastructure 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, the Ministry of Communications said on Thursday.
To ensure a smooth experience for all visitors, 126 km of optical fibre has been laid throughout the Prayagraj city area. In addition, 328 new towers/masts have been installed, further strengthening coverage across the urban landscape. A total of 575 new Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) across all mobile technologies shave been deployed, in addition to an upgrade of 1,462 existing BTS units, ensuring robust and uninterrupted connectivity in the city during the Mela.
Mela Area
In the Mela area, which is expected to witness a massive gathering of devotees, 192 km of optical fibercable (OFC) has been laid to provide high-speed, reliable network coverage. To cater to the massive demand, 78 CoWs (Transportable Towers) 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, The Ministry said.
Optimising Telecom Networks
“Telecom services are also being optimised at key public spaces, including major transport hubs like railway stations, bus stations, and airports, as well as holding areas, parking spaces, and highways leading into and out of Prayagraj. Special focus has been placed on the Green Corridor, a critical route for the smooth flow of traffic, ensuring consistent network service in high-traffic zones,” the central government said in a statement on January 2, 2025.
To enhance public safety and convenience, telecom providers have set up 53 help desks across the Mela area. These will support services such as the reporting of suspected fraud communications and blocking lost or stolen mobiles. Electro-magnetic radiation testing has been carried out to ensure that all telecom towers are operating within permissible radiation limits, safeguarding public health.
Additionally, a Cell Broadcast Alert facility and a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) integrated platform will be utilised to send emergency alerts, disaster warnings, and general public awareness messages throughout the Mela period.
Disaster Management and Preparedness
Three disaster management centres, operated by all four telecom service providers i.e. 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 in the event of natural or man-made disasters, ensuring the safety of attendees.”
DoT explained that The MahaKumbh Mela is a significant pilgrimage that attracts crores of people from all over the world to Prayagraj. The event, which occurs every 12 years, is an important occasion for spiritual renewal and cultural exchange.
Hindu devotees in India and across the world wait for the once-in-twelve-year Mahakumbh beginning January 13, 2025. This 45-day festival, from January 13 to February 26 will showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.
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