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This is an archive article published on March 6, 2025
Boatman who earned ₹30 crore during Mahakumbh sold family jewellery: Report
The story gained national attention after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath cited Mahra’s journey as an example of the economic opportunities created by the Mahakumbh.
Pintu Mahra, a resident of the Arail area, made the audacious decision to more than double his fleet, from 60 to 130 boats, ahead of the religious congregation. (Express File)
Pintu Mahra, a boatman from the Arail area, whom Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath commended for earning ₹30 crore in 45 days, expanded his fleet from 60 to 130 boats ahead of the 2025 Mahakumbh by selling family jewellery and mortgaging land, the ANI reported.
Mahra’s family, traditionally in the boating business, initially hesitated due to the financial risk, the agency said. However, the surge of devotees at the event led to high demand for boat services, securing their financial stability.
‘Life was tough. We had to borrow money and mortgage gold to get the boats. My father used to earn, then he passed away. It took a lot of effort to build this, it took six months to get the boats ready,” Mahra told ANI.
The story gained national attention after Uttar Pradesh CM Adityanath cited Mahra’s journey as an example of the economic opportunities created by the Mahakumbh. Speaking in the Assembly, the CM highlighted how the festival injected an estimated ₹3.5 lakh crore into the state’s economy, benefitting local businesses, hoteliers, and transport operators.
“A boatman’s family that owned 130 boats earned ₹30 crore in just 45 days,” Yogi Adityanath said. “This is the power of faith and hard work. The Mahakumbh has changed lives.”
The state government had allocated Rs 7,500 crore rupees to the festival’s infrastructure and management, an investment that, according to Adityanath, generated nearly Rs 3 lakh crore in business. Major beneficiaries included the hotel industry (Rs 40,000 crore), food and daily essentials (Rs 33,000 crore), and transportation (Rs 1.5 lakh crore).
(With ANI inputs)
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