Prayagraj prepares for Kumbh Mela with new pop-up city for millions of pilgrims

Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh Nagar, a temporary district in Uttar Pradesh, is set to welcome millions of pilgrims for the Kumbh Mela starting January 13. The city features extensive infrastructure, including power, water, and transport systems, built in just three months. The pop-up city spans 10,000 acres and includes 30 pontoon bridges and a 400-km road network. It will operate until March 31, after which it will be dismantled. The area is designed to facilitate mass bathing at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. A team of 53 officials, led by district magistrate Vijay Kiran Anand, has organized the event. Compared to the 2019 Kumbh, this year's setup is 33% larger. Thousands of workers from various departments have contributed to the preparations.