Maha Kumbh 2025 to Deploy AI, RFID, and Underwater Drones for Managing 400M Visitors

The upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, will implement advanced technological solutions to manage an expected attendance of over 40 crore visitors during its January 13 to February 26 duration, marking one of the largest deployments of digital identity and surveillance technology at a mass gathering.

Building on India’s growing digital identity infrastructure, the event will use RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) wristbands to track pilgrim headcounts. According to Uttar Pradesh Minister Suresh Khanna, these wristbands will monitor entry and exit times through RFID readers positioned throughout the venue, similar to systems previously deployed at smaller religious gatherings but at an unprecedented scale.

The security infrastructure includes AI-enabled cameras with attribute-based search capabilities, expanding on systems currently used in cities like Gurugram’s metropolitan surveillance network. The digital infrastructure encompasses a dedicated website, an AI-powered chatbot supporting 11 regional languages, QR-based passes for people and vehicles, and a multilingual digital lost and found center.

To enhance pilgrim safety, the organizers have implemented a voluntary mobile app tracking system that enables GPS monitoring through a dedicated application. The digital management system also features ICT monitoring for cleanliness and tent management, automated ration supply systems, and comprehensive integration with Google Maps for all event locations.

The Uttar Pradesh Police has developed a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy in collaboration with technical institutions. Director General of Police Prashant Kumar announced that cyber experts from prestigious institutions, including IIT-Kanpur, have been enlisted to support security efforts and protect the digital infrastructure.

In a technological first for the Kumbh Mela, underwater drones capable of operating at depths up to 100 meters will provide continuous surveillance of underwater activities. Inspector General of Police Dr. Rajeev Narayan Mishra explained that these drones will transmit real-time data to the Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC), establishing a new benchmark for crowd safety at large-scale religious gatherings.

The safety infrastructure is further enhanced by remote-controlled life buoys, designed for rapid emergency response and rescue operations in the event of water-related incidents. These automated systems represent a significant advancement in pilgrim safety measures compared to previous Kumbh Mela events.

Sources: Ahmedabad Mirror, BEAMSTART, Sunday Guardian Live

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December 31, 2024 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team