Indian Bureaucracy News, Dehradun, April 03, 2026 | In a move ahead of the upcoming Ardh Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, the Uttarakhand government today (03.04.2026) transferred four Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, with two being given dedicated charge of mela duty.
The Ardh Kumbh Mela is formally scheduled for 2027 and will be held from 14 January to 20 April 2027, following the six-year cycle after the 2021 Maha Kumbh. With a budgetary allocation exceeding Rs 1,000 crore, massive preparations are already underway throughout 2026 to ensure infrastructure is ready for an estimated 17 crore devotees.
The state government is constructing two new bridges over the Sukhi River and Mayapur channel, deployment of over 150 electric buses within the mela area, and establishment of a new Command and Control Centre (CCR-2) for enhanced security. Repair and expansion of existing ghats, including Kangra Ghat, are also underway.
In February 2026, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for 34 major permanent projects worth over Rs 234 crore. All permanent infrastructure work is scheduled for completion by October 2026.
The 2027 Ardh Kumbh is expected to contrast sharply with the 2021 Maha Kumbh, which was heavily restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike the shortened, low-turnout event four years ago, the upcoming mela is projected to witness record-breaking crowds, with a focus on facilitation and ease of travel rather than restrictions.
The two IPS officers assigned specifically to mela duty will oversee security arrangements, while two others have been transferred to fill the resultant vacant posts. The transfers aim to streamline command ahead of one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
Details of officers with their present and new postings is listed below.
- Shri Yogendra Singh Rawat IPS (Uttarakhand 2007), presently Inspector General of Police (IG), Personnel, Headquarters, is transferred and appointed as IG – Kumbh Mela.
- Shri Ayush Agrawal IPS (Uttarakhand 2016), presently Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Tehri, is transferred and appointed as SSP – Kumbh Mela.
- Smt Shweta Choubey IPS (Uttarakhand 2016), presently Commandant, IRB-II, is transferred and appointed as SSP – Tehri.
- Smt Vishakha Ashok Bhadne IPS (Uttarakhand 2018), presently SP Crime & Crime against Women Police, Headquarters, is transferred and appointed as Commandant – IRB-II.
Indian Bureaucracy News wishes all the officers the very best.