The Uttar Pradesh government has made extensive arrangements to ensure the safety of devotees and effective crowd management at Maha Kumbh 2025. Various security forces, including mounted police, have been tasked with maintaining law and order in Prayagraj in the wake of the mega fair.
During the Maha Kumbh, mounted police officers will continuously patrol the Mela grounds to ensure a secure environment.
With over 400 million devotees and tourists expected to visit Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, crowd control measures are essential, especially on peak bathing dates, when millions will gather at the Ganga, Yamuna, and Sangam ghats. The police have developed a comprehensive action plan to handle emergency situations.
A senior officer overseeing Maha Kumbh security noted that the mounted police personnel have undergone specialised training across various state police lines.
This year, 180 mounted police officers will be deployed for crowd control, as their elevated positions provide a wider field of vision, allowing them to quickly respond to any suspicious activity by alerting other officers.
According to the officer, mounted police also have a psychological impact on large crowds, managing them with minimal force. Horses assigned for Maha Kumbh have even been given distinctive names, such as Maharaja, Chetan, and Bahubali. Before the event, all mounted police officers will familiarise themselves with the Mela grounds to ensure thorough preparation for the event.