Godavari Pushkaralu 2027: CM Naidu orders 'Maha Kumbh'-scale arrangements, AI for crowd control

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to organise the next Godavari Pushkaralu on a grand scale akin to Maha Kumbh Mela.

The government has decided to use Artificial Intelligence–based technology for crowd and infrastructure management.

The nine-day mega religious event will be held from June 26, 2027, to July 4, 2027.

Reviewing preparations at a high-level meeting at the Secretariat on Friday, the Chief Minister said the State must be fully prepared to host nearly 100 million devotees expected from across India and abroad to take the holy dip in the Godavari.

AI-driven crowd and traffic management

Emphasising safety and efficiency, the Chief Minister ordered the deployment of AI-driven crowd management systems and the use of RTGS services for real-time monitoring. He called for a comprehensive traffic plan to prevent congestion, vehicle pile-ups, and fire accidents, particularly in tent cities.

Infrastructure for massive footfall

Stressing that there should be no inconvenience to pilgrims, the Chief Minister instructed officials to strengthen infrastructure along the 212-kilometre stretch of the Godavari flowing through Polavaram, Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, and Kakinada districts.

He asked departments to initiate early consultations with the Union Government to secure the required funds.

Expansion of bathing ghats

Officials informed the Chief Minister that plans are in place to develop 373 bathing ghats over a length of 9,918 metres, including 234 existing ghats and 139 new ones.

District-wise proposals include:

Polavaram: 14 ghats

Eluru: 34 ghats

East Godavari: 102 ghats

West Godavari: 40 ghats

Kakinada: 6 ghats

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema: 175 ghats

The Chief Minister directed that the capacity of ghats be enhanced and clear entry–exit routes created to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims.

Accommodation, transport, and security

To meet accommodation demand, the Chief Minister instructed officials to establish tent cities and promote homestays with local participation. Special bus services will be operated for pilgrims, along with adequate parking facilities at strategic locations.

He also ordered foolproof security arrangements and the development of all roads facilitating pilgrim movement.

Connectivity, sanitation, and multilingual services

The Chief Minister stressed the need for uninterrupted mobile network connectivity, especially in agencies and remote areas like Polavaram. He directed that services be provided in multiple languages through the Bhashini app and that special focus be given to sanitation and cleanliness across all pilgrimage zones.

‘Akhanda Godavari’ vision

Interacting with Collectors and Superintendents of Police of the six districts via video conference, the Chief Minister said the Pushkaralu should be conducted under the banner of “Akhanda Godavari”, integrating riverfront development, tourism promotion, and preservation of historically significant sites.

He also instructed that the Polavaram project works be completed well before the Pushkaralu.

Public participation key

Highlighting the importance of community involvement, the Chief Minister said cooperation from residents in hosting pilgrims would be crucial to the event’s success. He noted that it was his third time overseeing the Godavari Pushkaralu as Chief Minister, calling it a moment of pride and responsibility.

Ministers Anam Ramnarayana Reddy, Nimmala Ramanaidu, Anagani Satyaprasad, V. Anitha, P. Narayana, Vasamsetty Subhash, Kandula Durgesh, and BC Janardhan Reddy, along with Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand and DGP Harish Kumar Gupta, attended the meeting.