Riverfront to ease traffic, enhance visitors' experience

Prayagraj: The much-awaited 15km long riverfront being constructed along the Ganga will help mela police regulate traffic and enhance visitors' experience during the Maha Kumbh when about 40 crore people from all over the globe are expected to converge in the Sangam city.

"About 70% of the work on the 15km long riverfront has been completed and is likely to be opened to the public from Nov 15. Constructed between Dashaswamedh Ghat and Phaphamau, the riverfront will also feature selfie points, restaurants and cafeterias. A whopping ₹213 crore was spent on its construction," additional DM (Kumbh Mela) Vivek Chaturvedi told TOI.

The riverfront is part of new initiatives to give the upcoming Maha Kumbh a divine, grand and refreshed appearance.

Apart from road widening projects inside and outside the city, this alternative route will significantly ease movement for visitors during the 45 days of Maha Kumbh, said Chaturvedi.

"The riverfront will play a crucial role in managing crowds during the Kumbh Mela. It is being developed with the collaboration of the irrigation department and other supporting agencies."

Ramesh Kumar Singh, senior engineer of the irrigation department, said: "This riverfront is distinct from ordinary roads. It features interlocking surfaces and boulder crate construction, with slope pitching for added stability. The road will be developed as a model pathway, with benches installed along the sides and several selfie points for visitors."

He added, "Construction is underway in multiple areas along the Ganga, including stretches from Rasulabad Ghat to Nagvasuki Temple, from Surdas to Chhatnag, and up to Mahavir Puri near Curzon Bridge. The riverfront will shorten the distance to reach Sangam. Since most devotees come to visit Sangam, the new riverfront will allow them to explore every corner of Prayagraj along with the sacred site."