Prayagraj Prepares for 2031 Ardh Kumbh with Major Infrastructure Upgrades
The district administration in Prayagraj is already formulating a comprehensive plan for the upcoming Ardh Kumbh, scheduled for 2031. This proactive approach comes in the wake of the massive success of the Maha Kumbh in 2025, which saw an astounding over 66 crore devotees taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. To ensure smoother crowd management and enhanced accessibility, the government has approved the construction of three new bridges across the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, with a total allocation of Rs 562 crore.
Learning from Past Experiences
An administrative official highlighted that a key lesson from the 2025 Maha Kumbh was the critical need for maintaining a steady flow of devotees. "If the number of devotees increases, bridges across both rivers are essential for smooth movement in and out of the city," the official stated. This insight has directly influenced the decision to invest in new infrastructure, aiming to prevent congestion and improve safety during the religious gathering.
Details of the New Bridge Projects
The three proposed bridges are designed to address specific traffic and connectivity challenges in the region:
- Shastri Bridge Alternative: Due to increased traffic and recent closures for repairs, a new 2,500-metre bridge will be built adjacent to the existing Shastri Bridge, which connects Purvanchal to Prayagraj. This project aims to provide a reliable alternative and ease pressure on the aging structure.
- Connectivity to Madhya Pradesh and Chitrakoot: A 1,100-metre bridge, parallel to the old Naini Bridge, will be constructed across the Yamuna River from Madoka to Karailbag. This initiative, with a budget of Rs 157.05 crore allocated in the state government's budget, is intended to enhance links between Prayagraj and neighboring regions.
- Ram Setu and 4-Lane Bridge: Additionally, Rs 42.42 lakh has been earmarked for the Ram Setu across the Yamuna River. Furthermore, a provision of more than Rs 300 crore was made in the state budget for a 4-lane bridge on the Ganga from Salori to Hetapatti, promising improved traffic flow and reduced travel times.
These infrastructure developments are poised to transform Prayagraj's urban landscape, ensuring that the 2031 Ardh Kumbh can accommodate devotees efficiently while upholding the spiritual significance of the event. The administration's forward-thinking strategy underscores a commitment to leveraging past successes to foster future growth and community well-being.
