Unprecedented network traffic surge was observed in Varanasi and Ayodhya during the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. Ericsson and Jio Infocomm Ltd (Jio) successfully managed the massive surge, delivering exceptional customer experience despite record-breaking participation. The event, which took place from January 13 to February 26, attracted over 660 million people, marking it as the world’s largest spiritual gathering.
Ericsson reported that on the peak day, the Jio True 5G Standalone (SA) network handled 20 million voice and 400 million data service requests, meeting the high demand from visitors sharing images, videos, and staying connected with loved ones.
Advanced Solutions for Network Management
To handle the unprecedented traffic, Jio and Ericsson deployed advanced solutions, including network slicing, carrier aggregation using the 700 MHz band, and Voice over NR (VoNR). Real-time traffic monitoring, data analytics, and on-site optimization played key roles in maintaining network performance throughout the event. Ericsson and Jio’s dedicated teams worked tirelessly, supported by five on-field war rooms, to ensure continuous service in the high-density zones, especially in Varanasi and Ayodhya, which also saw increased traffic.
Improvement in User Experience
The successful deployment of these technologies ensured a smooth and reliable 5G experience for Jio users during the massive event. Vijay Sharma, Head of Customer Unit Reliance Jio at Ericsson, stated, “During one of the peak days, the Jio network catered to 20 million voice and 400 million data service requests on 5G successfully.
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An estimated 55 percent of the total data traffic during the event has been served by Ericsson 5G solutions.” Their proactive approach, software solutions, and real-time monitoring were instrumental in maintaining network reliability and performance, demonstrating their commitment to driving excellence in mobile communications even under the most demanding conditions.
Key Network Optimizations
To prevent network congestion due to spikes in voice and data traffic, key network optimizations such as accessibility handling, priority access for government agencies managing the event, resource management, congestion control, network coverage, and continuity, and serviceability were implemented. Ericsson and Jio’s teams worked continuously to ensure service availability in the high-density zones, which provided users with an exceptional network experience.
