Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Sectors and Stocks to Watch Out
From hospitality to telecom, see who stands to gain big.
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is set to transcend its spiritual significance and emerge as a major economic catalyst. Returning after 12 years, the 45-day mega event is expected to attract 400-450 million visitors, boosting both nominal and real GDP by over 1 per cent. With the Uttar Pradesh government estimating a potential trade turnover of Rs 2 lakh crore, this grand congregation promises transformative impacts across several industries.
Here is a list of sectors that are expected to remain in focus due to the Kumbh Mela:
Tourism and Hospitality: A Massive Surge
Stocks to Watch: Thomas Cook, EaseMyTrip, Yatra, RateGain, Genesys, Indian Hotels Company Limited (Taj Hotels), and Lemon Tree Hotels.
The influx of millions of pilgrims and tourists is set to skyrocket the demand for travel services, accommodations, and hospitality. Hotels ranging from budget accommodations to luxury options like Royal Orchid Hotel’s Dome City, which offers cottages priced at Rs 30,000-35,000 per night, are gearing up for this surge. The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has arranged 2,000 cottage-style tents to cater to diverse preferences.
Transportation: Meeting the Demand
Stocks to Watch: IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation), IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Alliance Air.
To accommodate the massive crowd, Indian Railways will operate 13,000 trains over 50 days, while Prayagraj Airport has increased weekly departures to 117, connecting 23 cities. Airlines have added special routes, and 7,000 rural buses alongside 350 shuttle buses have been deployed by the administration.
FMCG: Increased Consumption
Stocks to Watch: Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), ITC Limited, and Dabur.
The gathering’s size will naturally drive a spike in demand for daily essentials and packaged goods. Companies in the FMCG sector are expected to benefit significantly from the consumption of products such as snacks, beverages, and hygiene essentials.
Event Management and Infrastructure: Preparation Pays Off
Stocks to Watch: Companies specializing in event management and infrastructure development.
The Uttar Pradesh government has invested Rs 5,500 crore to upgrade Prayagraj’s infrastructure. Enhancements include roads, bridges, sanitation, water supply, and power, creating opportunities for event management and construction companies to capitalize on.
Telecom Infrastructure: Seamless Connectivity
The Department of Telecommunications has made extensive preparations to enable seamless connectivity for millions of pilgrims. A total of 126 km of optical fibre cables have been laid in the city, along with the installation of 328 new towers. Additionally, 575 new Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) across all mobile technologies have been deployed. In the Mela area specifically, 192 km of optical fibre cables have been laid to provide high-speed, reliable network coverage. To cater to the massive demand, 78 transportable towers and 150 outdoor small cell solutions have also been installed. Bharti Airtel, BSNL, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea have set up three disaster management centres to ensure uninterrupted connectivity throughout the event.
Job Creation and Local Business Boost
The event is a significant employment generator, offering opportunities in hospitality, retail, transportation, and infrastructure. Local businesses, from food vendors to artisans, are preparing to serve and profit from this monumental gathering.
Conclusion
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 exemplifies the fusion of spirituality and economic growth. With wide-ranging investments, industries spanning hospitality, transportation, FMCG, infrastructure, and telecom are poised for substantial gains. Investors and businesses should watch this mega event closely to capitalize on its transformative impact.
Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and not investment advice.