From Algorithms to Aartis: AI’s Unseen Hand in Mahakumbh Crowd Control

The Mahakumbh 2025 at Prayagraj has seen the record highest ever attendance of 63 crore pilgrims, more than initial estimates of 40 crore. Bhanu Bhaskar, ADG Prayagraj Zone, disclosed that AI-based surveillance had been instrumental in handling the humongous crowds. The event used 2,750 CCTV cameras, of which 250 were AI-based, to scan the 4000-acre Mela ground3. This technology gave real-time information about crowd density, people flow, and parking status, allowing authorities to send timely alerts based on pre-defined threat levels. A stampede on January 29 killed at least 30 people despite taking place in an area with much less crowd. The administration is now studying the AI-generated data to better manage future events and avoid repetition of such accidents.

 

Source: Business Standard