Prayagraj, One of India’s Holiest Cities, to Be Promoted as the ‘City of Temple Corridors’

Prayagraj, One of India’s Holiest Cities, to Be Promoted as the ‘City of Temple Corridors’

In the wake of Maha Kumbh 2025, Prayagraj is embarking on a spiritual makeover, aiming to be rebranded as the “City of Temple Corridors.” Regional tourism officer Aparajita Singh explains that the plan involves enhancing and integrating prominent religious sites across the city while elevating the pilgrim experience in preparation for Ardh Kumbh 2031.

Central to the initiative are newly developed temple corridors built ahead of the Maha Kumbh. These include the Dwadash Madhav cluster, Akshayvat–Saraswati Well pathway, Bhardwaj Ashram, and the iconic corridor near the Bade Hanuman Temple at Sangam. Over ₹129 crore has been dedicated to restoring and interconnecting these sacred routes.

A digital “Tourism Tracker” platform has also been introduced to measure tourism trends, covering visitor inflow, hotel occupancy, transport logistics, and event performance. By providing monthly data insights, it’s designed to help planners respond quickly to gaps in infrastructure and enhance visitors’ experiences.

The government plans to develop tourist-friendly infrastructure using a public–private partnership model. This includes strategically located parking zones, rest houses, clean toilets, and refreshment areas just outside the city’s core. Multilingual signage, cultural evenings like Ganga Aarti, and anti-encroachment measures aim to create a more welcoming and decluttered ambience in these corridors.

To sustain momentum post-Kumbh, a mega tourism conclave will bring together tour operators, hoteliers, and industry stakeholders. Efforts are underway to streamline hotel NOC procedures, register more quality homestays and dharamshalas, and empower local businesses through training and easier operations.

By harmonising heritage with contemporary amenities and data-driven planning, Prayagraj’s transformation into the “City of Temple Corridors” promises to boost its spiritual tourism footprint—making it a seamless, vibrant, and culturally rich destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.