The Civil Aviation Minister, K Ram Mohan Naidu, has announced a 50 percent reduction in airfare for passengers traveling to the Kumbh Mela. This decision aims to make travel more affordable for devotees attending the once-in-140-year religious gathering. The new reduced fares came into effect immediately, following multiple discussions with airlines.
Government Steps in to Control Airfare Hike
The government took proactive steps after airline ticket prices to Prayagraj skyrocketed. Earlier, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had urged airlines to rationalize ticket prices for Kumbh travelers. Following this, three meetings were held with airline companies to ensure that ticket prices were slashed while maintaining the financial viability of airlines.
Additional Flights to Meet Demand
Recognizing the surge in demand, the DGCA approved 81 additional flights in January. With airlines like SpiceJet increasing their operations, the total number of flights to and from Prayagraj has risen to 132. However, the sharp increase in demand initially led to an exponential rise in airfares, with some routes witnessing a 21-fold spike.
Kumbh Mela Witnesses Record-Breaking Footfall
The Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, has already seen a staggering 199.4 million visitors. The massive turnout even caused a stampede earlier this week due to overcrowding at major bathing ghats.
To accommodate devotees, a temporary city covering 4,000 hectares has been built along the riverbanks. This city includes 150,000 tents and an almost equal number of toilets, ensuring better facilities for pilgrims.
A Much-Needed Relief for Devotees
The government’s decision to cut airfares is a significant relief for travelers who were struggling with inflated ticket prices. With millions flocking to the religious festival, this move ensures that financial constraints do not prevent devotees from participating in this historic event.
