For Prelims: Magh Mela, Electrical substation, Kilovolt-ampere (kVA), Feeder
For Mains: Art and Culture: Fairs and festivals of Uttar Pradesh; Governance: Public infrastructure and service delivery
Source:
Hindustan
5 facts for one-day exams
SSC, railway, police and teaching exams ask direct questions like these.
- The Prayagraj Magh Mela electricity plan provides ₹21.19 crore.
- The planned mela area is 990 hectares.
- The power plan includes 27,500 LED streetlights.
- The 2,800 planned buses include 300 reserve buses.
- Prayagraj is in Uttar Pradesh.
The news
The Prayagraj Magh Mela will have a power infrastructure budget of ₹21.19 crore this year, up from ₹15.32 crore last year, the electricity department has announced. The mela area has been expanded to 990 hectares from 900 hectares last year. The department has finalised a plan to install 23,120 electricity poles, 27,500 LED street lights and 600 solar hybrid lights across the mela grounds.
To ensure uninterrupted power supply, 67 temporary substations will be set up — 30 of 400 kVA capacity and 37 of 100 kVA capacity — along with seven ring main units and 15 feeders. The department will lay 415 circuit kilometres of low-tension lines and 60 circuit kilometres of high-tension lines. For emergencies, 32 diesel generator sets will be deployed. Five sub-divisional officers and eight junior engineers have been assigned for supervision and operation.
The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation will operate 2,800 buses this year, 400 more than the 2,400 buses run last year, according to Regional Manager Ravindra Singh. Of these, 300 buses will be kept in reserve for major bathing days such as Mauni Amavasya. Temporary bus stations are being set up. Divisional Commissioner Dr Lokesh M has directed officials to ensure mobile towers of all major telecom companies are installed so that network and calling services remain smooth throughout the mela.
Prayagraj Magh Mela preparations: why in the news?
The Prayagraj administration has announced a ₹21.19 crore electricity plan and a 2,800-bus transport plan for the Magh Mela, with the mela area expanded to 990 hectares. The review by the Divisional Commissioner in November 2026 makes this a current administrative update.
How does the power plan compare with last year?
The electricity budget has risen by about ₹5.87 crore from ₹15.32 crore last year, reflecting the 90-hectare increase in the mela area. Last year's mela covered 900 hectares. The plan provides for 67 temporary substations, and the feeder count will be raised to 15.
What transport and communication arrangements are planned?
Roadways will operate 400 more buses than last year's 2,400, with 300 buses reserved for peak demand on major bathing days. Temporary bus stations are being prepared. The Divisional Commissioner has directed that mobile towers of all major telecom companies be installed to ensure uninterrupted network and calling services.
Magh Mela: previous and planned arrangements
| Feature | Previous mela | Planned mela |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 900 hectares | 990 hectares |
| Electricity budget | ₹15.32 crore | ₹21.19 crore |
| Buses | 2,400 | 2,800 including 300 reserve |
Uttar Pradesh connection
Matters for these Uttar Pradesh exams:UPSSSC PET
Prayagraj Magh Mela preparations: facts and terms for exams
- Magh Mela:
- A religious gathering held at Prayagraj during the Hindu month of Magh, associated with ritual bathing.
- Electrical substation:
- A facility used to transform or distribute electricity within a power network.
- Kilovolt-ampere (kVA):
- A unit of apparent electrical power used to express the rated capacity of electrical equipment.
- Feeder:
- An electrical line that carries power from a distribution point to parts of a network.
Prayagraj Magh Mela preparations: why it matters for exams
Exams: UPSSSC PET
Syllabus: Art and Culture: Fairs and festivals of Uttar Pradesh; Governance: Public infrastructure and service delivery
Common mistake: Examiners may swap the electricity allocation with the total mela budget or add the 300 reserve buses to 2,800; ₹21.19 crore is for electricity, and the reserve buses are included in 2,800.
Mains question on Prayagraj Magh Mela preparations
Examine the administrative and logistical challenges in organising large religious gatherings such as the Magh Mela, and discuss how infrastructure planning addresses them.
Stuck? Get it in one tap
The Prayagraj Magh Mela has a plan for lighting and electricity across an expanded area. Temporary substations will distribute power, while generators are planned for emergencies. Roadways also plans reserve buses for days when more visitors are expected.
- Art and Culture: Fairs and festivals of Uttar Pradesh
- Governance: Public infrastructure and service delivery
Related concepts: Magh Mela, Electrical substation, Kilovolt-ampere (kVA), Feeder
Practice questions
Pick an answer, then read the explanation.
- Q1Easy
Which department prepared the electricity infrastructure plan for the Prayagraj Magh Mela?
Explanation: The electricity department prepared the plan for lighting and power supply. Roadways handles bus arrangements, telecom companies are associated with mobile towers, and the mela authority office hosted the review.
- Q2Hard
Consider the following statements about the Prayagraj Magh Mela preparations:
- 1.The planned mela area is 990 hectares.
- 2.All 67 planned substations have a capacity of 400 kVA each.
- 3.The 2,800 planned buses include 300 reserve buses.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct: the planned area is 990 hectares and the bus total includes 300 reserve vehicles. Statement 2 is incorrect because 30 substations are planned at 400 kVA and 37 at 100 kVA.
- Q3Medium
What is the planned electricity expenditure for the Prayagraj Magh Mela?
Explanation: The planned electricity expenditure is ₹21.19 crore. The previous mela's electricity budget was ₹15.32 crore; ₹23.12 crore and ₹27.50 crore are not the planned electricity allocation.
- Q4Medium
Why are 300 buses to be kept in reserve for the Prayagraj Magh Mela?
Explanation: The reserve buses are intended for additional crowds on major bathing days, including Mauni Amavasya. Substations concern electricity, towers concern communication, and the planned area is a separate infrastructure decision.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the electricity budget for the Prayagraj Magh Mela?
The planned electricity expenditure is ₹21.19 crore.
2. How many buses are planned for the Prayagraj Magh Mela?
Roadways plans 2,800 buses, including 300 reserve buses.
3. How large is the planned Prayagraj Magh Mela area?
The planned area is 990 hectares, compared with 900 hectares at the previous mela.
4. How many temporary substations are planned for the Prayagraj Magh Mela?
The plan provides for 67 temporary substations: 30 rated at 400 kVA and 37 at 100 kVA.
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- Original14 November 2026 · Read story
