Ujjain hosts special police training ahead of Simhastha:Officers learn crowd management, coordination and devotee-friendly policing for Kumbh

The Madhya Pradesh Police has begun early preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh 2028 to be held in Ujjain. Nearly two years ahead of the grand religious gathering, police officers are undergoing specialized training to ensure a safe, smooth, and well-organized event. 21-day training program in two phases A 21-day training program is currently underway at the Police Lines Community Hall in Ujjain, starting April 22. Officers from across the state are participating. The training is divided into two phases, combining classroom sessions with field visits to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure. Training covers 41 key subjects Ujjain Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma said the program includes training on around 41 subjects. These include crowd management, handling long duty hours in extreme heat, interacting with devotees, and maintaining personal health during deployment. The aim is to prepare officers for the scale and complexity of the Simhastha gathering. Field visits for practical exposure In the second phase, officers are taken on field visits to understand on-ground arrangements such as parking areas, entry and exit routes, crowd flow management, barricading, and holding areas. This hands-on approach is designed to ensure smooth movement and effective crowd control during the event. 117 officers to become master trainers A total of 117 officers participating in the program will be designated as “master trainers.” They will train police personnel in their respective districts. These trained officers will later be deployed in Ujjain during Simhastha to manage operations efficiently. Focus on technology and coordination The training stressed on practical and technology-driven policing. Special attention is being given to ghat security, emergency response systems, coordinated policing, and advanced crowd control techniques. Emphasis on discipline and service approach Mhow Superintendent of Police Dileep Kumar Soni briefed officers on managing crowds during peak events like the royal bath (Shahi Snan) as well as regular days. He also stressed maintaining mental balance, discipline, teamwork, and a service-oriented approach while dealing with large gatherings of devotees. Aim: Safe and devotee-friendly Simhastha With structured training, early planning, and a focus on both operational efficiency and public interaction, the police aim to ensure that Simhastha 2028 is conducted smoothly, safely, and provides a positive experience for millions of devotees.