Prayagraj: Festival seasons often see a spike in airfare, but the record-breaking increase in ticket prices for flights to Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh Mela has compelled many travelers to seek alternative means of transport.
Surprising Price Increases During the Kumbh Mela
Many travelers are shocked to learn that a one-way ticket to London is currently cheaper than a flight to Prayagraj. A one-way ticket to London is priced at Rs 31,342, whereas a trip from Delhi to Prayagraj ranges between Rs 13,000 and Rs 80,000.
Typically, flights from Delhi to Prayagraj cost between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000, but the sudden surge in prices is affecting passengers across major cities, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata. For instance, a one-way ticket from Chennai to Prayagraj recently soared to Rs 70,996. On peak bathing days during the Kumbh Mela, ticket prices range from Rs 18,000 to Rs 41,106.
Growing Airfares Initiate Parliamentary Discussion
The sharp rise in airline fares has sparked a debate in the Rajya Sabha, with members contrasting these prices with standard fares to London. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari pointed out that a flight to London costs Rs 24,000, while a ticket from Chennai to Prayagraj is over Rs 53,000, and from Bengaluru, it exceeds Rs 51,000. He questioned the government on its plans to control these soaring prices.
Cost Increases on Key Bathing Dates
The fare hikes are especially steep on significant bathing days, including:
- Makar Sankranti (January 29)
- Basant Panchami (February 3)
- Maghi Purnima (February 12)
- Maha Shivaratri (February 26)
While some key dates have passed, Maha Shivaratri is yet to come. On January 31, a one-way ticket from Delhi to Prayagraj was priced at Rs 33,590, significantly higher than the usual fare of Rs 5,000.
Political Leaders Demand Government Intervention
Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the exorbitant airfare for the Kumbh Mela. He called on the central government to prevent airlines from exploiting devotees with inflated prices and urged for more affordable travel options for pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh.
As the festival progresses, the debate over airfare price hikes continues, with travelers and politicians alike seeking solutions to make pilgrimage travel more accessible and affordable.
