Skyrocketing airfares to Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh Mela prompt calls for Government action

Airfares to Prayagraj during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela have seen a dramatic rise, with prices surging for flights from various cities across India. Traditionally, one-way flights from Delhi to Prayagraj cost between ₹5,000 and ₹8,000, but now they range between ₹25,000 and ₹50,000, and in some cases, even up to ₹60,000. This surge in airfares is being attributed to the high volume of pilgrims traveling to the religious event, with certain peak dates such as Mauni Amavasya on January 29, Basant Panchami on February 3, and Maha Shivratri on February 26 seeing the highest fare increases.

Flights from cities like Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Bengaluru have also seen a steep rise in fares. For instance, airfares from Hyderabad to Prayagraj have increased to between ₹29,000 and ₹34,962, while tickets from Mumbai cost upwards of ₹46,000. Similarly, flights from Bengaluru have surged in price, ranging from ₹26,000 to ₹48,000 for a one-way ticket. On some routes, such as Visakhapatnam to Prayagraj, tickets are priced at ₹33,000 to ₹38,000 for one-way trips.

To meet the rising demand, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved an additional 81 flights, bringing the total number of flights connecting Prayagraj to 132 from cities across India. However, despite the increase in the number of flights, airfares remain high, making it unaffordable for many devotees. Many travelers are unable to secure air tickets due to the inflated prices, and train services, which traditionally provide an alternative, are also facing heavy demand, with limited availability.

In addition to rising airfares, some airlines are being criticized for not providing sufficient capacity to handle the increased demand. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has expressed concerns over airlines capitalizing on the high demand by charging inflated prices. VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal criticized the airlines for their pricing strategy, suggesting they should learn from Indian Railways, which has increased train services and maintained reasonable fares for pilgrims. According to reports, the cost of air tickets from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru during the peak pilgrimage days has increased by 200% to 700%.

Pilgrims are facing significant challenges with the rising cost of air travel, as many cannot afford the steep ticket prices. For instance, flights from cities like Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, and Mumbai to Prayagraj are costing between ₹30,000 and ₹50,000 for a one-way trip, which is unaffordable for many. Additionally, the availability of train tickets has been scarce, leading to increased reliance on air travel, even though it comes with a high price tag.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, takes place every 12 years at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj. This year, officials expect up to 400 million people to attend the event over the course of six weeks. The increase in pilgrims, combined with limited transportation options, has created a situation where the cost of air travel has spiked, making it difficult for many devotees to afford their journey.

With the event continuing through February, airlines are expected to maintain high airfares, which are likely to return to normal after the conclusion of the Maha Kumbh Mela on February 26. In response to the ongoing fare hikes, calls have been made for government intervention to regulate the pricing and ensure that the increased demand does not result in exploitation of pilgrims. As the end of the event nears, the focus will shift to managing the remaining influx of visitors and addressing the concerns of those seeking affordable transportation to Prayagraj.