Maha Kumbh 2025: App-Based E-Rickshaws and E-Autos to Boost Transport

04 Dec 2024 CW Team

In preparation for Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, app-based e-rickshaw and e-auto services will be introduced from December 15 on platforms like Ola and Uber. This initiative aims to provide devotees with eco-friendly, affordable, and transparent transport options while curbing arbitrary fare practices.

The service will feature trained drivers equipped with language assistance tools, ensuring courteous interactions with visitors. To enhance safety, a fleet of 30-40 women-driven "pink taxis" will also be operational. Fares will be pre-determined on a per-kilometer basis to maintain affordability.

Comfy E Mobility, a UP-based Startup India-recognised company, is leading the e-rickshaw project. Founder Manu Gupta highlighted that the fleet of 300 GPS-enabled e-rickshaws with covered seating will operate without charging drivers commissions, offering affordable rides to passengers. Verified drivers and call center support will ensure safety and address commuter issues.

Aligned with the Yogi government’s goal of hosting an environmentally friendly Maha Kumbh, this initiative also serves as a pilot for eco-friendly urban transport in Uttar Pradesh, with plans to expand post-Maha Kumbh.

The Maha Kumbh 2025, the world’s largest human congregation, will take place from January 13 to February 26, with an estimated 450 million devotees expected. Supporting infrastructure includes 7,000 roadways buses, 550 shuttle buses, and 3,000 trains, including 1,000 additional services.

The Uttar Pradesh government has also designated the Maha Kumbh area as a new district, named "Maha Kumbh Mela District," to streamline administration for the event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Uttar Pradesh on December 13 to review preparations and inaugurate key development projects, ensuring seamless management of this historic gathering. (ET)

Infrastructure Transport

06 May 2026

Pune To Build Nine Km Link Road Between Highways

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to appoint an expert to plan the development of a nine km long, 60 metre wide road from Khadi Machine chowk to Wadki chowk as an extension to the Katraj-Kondhwa road to link the Mumbai-Satara and Pune-Solapur national highways. The scheme is intended to divert heavy vehicle traffic away from the city and improve access between the two arterial routes. The project has been prioritised by the PMC and forms part of a larger set of schemes in which 19 roads have been identified for development at a combined cost of Rs 9.82 billion (bn) to address c..

Barabanki Bahraich Six Lane Highway Approved in Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved construction of a new six-lane highway linking Barabanki and Bahraich as part of National Highway 927, and the cabinet has cleared the project. The alignment will pass through Mustafabad and Kaiserganj and extend for about 101.5 km, creating a key corridor for local and long-distance movement. The National Highways Authority of India will oversee the work and has signalled the scheme is intended to strengthen regional connectivity and cross-border access to Nepal. The project carries an estimated total cost of Rs 69,690 million, equivalent to Rs 69.69..

Toll At Kharegaon Likely As Highway Upgrade Nears Completion

A section of the highway at Kharegaon has undergone an upgrade and is approaching completion, and authorities have indicated plans for a toll to be introduced once works finish. The project has focused on strengthening the carriageway, improving drainage and upgrading intersections to enhance safety and capacity. Officials have said the toll will be used to recover construction costs and fund ongoing maintenance. The upgrade included resurfacing of the pavement, widening of certain stretches and installation of modern signage and lighting to reduce accident risk. Contractors completed most ma..