In a significant move to streamline the massive pilgrimage event, the authorities of the 2026 Magh Mela in Prayagraj are joining forces with tech giant Google. The collaboration aims to leverage digital mapping technology to facilitate a smoother and safer experience for the millions of expected devotees.
Digital Mapping for a Seamless Pilgrimage
The core of this initiative involves close coordination with Google officials. The goal is to clearly highlight all major access routes, crucial bathing ghats, designated parking zones, and other key points of interest directly on Google Maps. This digital intervention is designed to help pilgrims navigate the expansive mela grounds with greater ease.
Google has proposed using its Road Management Insights (RMI) service for this purpose. RMI is a specialized tool on the Google Maps platform that provides valuable data on traffic speed, travel duration, and congestion patterns, which is vital for effective road and traffic management. A video conference between the Google Maps team and the mela administration is scheduled soon to advance the plan.
Comprehensive On-Ground Management Plans
Parallel to the digital efforts, the mela police and administration have drafted an elaborate map for physical traffic and parking management. A key focus is on improving the district's overall traffic flow during the event. To achieve this, authorities are planning to increase the operations of taxis and minibuses.
In a modern push for connectivity, the administration has already begun the process to engage ride-hailing companies like Ola, Uber, and Rapido through official tenders, ensuring better last-mile transport options for visitors.
Safety and Crowd Control Measures
With safety being paramount, extensive measures are being put in place. SP (Magh Mela) Neeraj Pandey emphasized that to prevent drowning incidents, deep water barricading will be installed at all ghats. An adequate contingent of jal police (river police) and divers will be stationed for duty.
For enhanced emergency response, one team each from the SDRF and NDRF will be deployed to patrol and ensure security across all locations. Crowd management on the ghats will be handled by a joint team of police and mela officials, with deployments being adjusted based on real-time footfall analysis.
To protect pilgrims from exploitation, the Public Works Department has been directed to ensure boatmen print the officially permitted rates and helpline numbers on their boats. A certificate will be issued only after verification, and strict action will be taken against any boatman operating without this certificate.
Infrastructure and Support Systems
A committee has been formed to revamp the signage system across the mela area. It has been instructed to begin work on identifying gaps and installing clear signage on the main roads connecting Prayagraj city to other districts.
Furthermore, to mitigate fire risks, instructions have been given to consider increasing the number of fire engines in various sectors of the mela. This aims to either prevent blazes or significantly reduce the response time for extinguishing them if any incidents occur.
This multi-pronged strategy, combining cutting-edge digital tools with robust physical planning, underscores the administration's commitment to organizing a secure and well-managed Magh Mela for 2026.
