Govt developing AI chatbot to provide personalised help to Maha Kumbh visitors

“It will offer personalised assistance for families, senior citizens, and others with special needs. The Gen-AI chatbot will be integrated with WhatsApp. It will ensure user data privacy and comply with relevant data security regulations,” the official said.

The Maha Kumbh, held every 12 years in Prayagraj, will begin on January 13, 2025. Crores of devotees are expected to gather for a holy dip in the Sangam of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers during the event.

The process of building a website/mobile app and making it Gen-AI chatbot enabled has been started in view of Mahakumbh Mela-2025. These platforms are being made user-friendly and interactive. The Uttar Pradesh Development Systems Corporation Limited (UPDESCO), which has been entrusted with the task, has started working on a website/mobile app with AI-enabled chatbot, and aims to complete all technological updates and development within the next six months.

The UPDESCO will select a service provider agency from its empaneled companies and assign the work to them, said an official. “Developing an AI-powered chatbot involves several key processes, with advanced learning playing a crucial role. This involves data collection, data analysis, and command coding. Based on software requirements specifications (SRS), software design specifications (SDS) will be developed,” said the official.

“The chatbot solution will go through various stages, including bot training, user acceptance training (UAT), cybersecurity enhancement, development of the go-live phase system, and continuous operation and maintenance training. After completing all these processes, the chatbot will be launched,” the official added.

The Gen-AI chatbot will provide solutions to Mahakumbh visitors in Hindi, English, and various regional languages based on their needs. It will also assist visitors with travel planning, accommodation options, and safety protocols. It will also guide users on local transportation, timings for holy baths, cultural events, and emergency procedures.