New Delhi [India]: In response to skyrocketing airfares during the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed airlines to increase capacity and rationalize fares for routes to the holy city.
Soaring Fares Draw Criticism
Air travellers have raised concerns over exorbitant ticket prices, with fares from Delhi to Prayagraj reaching as high as ₹25,000, compared to the usual ₹5,000. The surge in demand, coupled with dynamic pricing, has been cited as the reason behind the sharp increase.
The DGCA, after meeting with airlines on January 23, has approved 81 additional flights for January, bringing the total number of flights to Prayagraj to 132. Airlines have been urged to ensure fair pricing and accommodate the growing number of devotees traveling for the Mahakumbh.
Airlines Respond
SpiceJet has announced direct flights to Prayagraj from Guwahati, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Similarly, Akasa Air has increased its services with special flights from Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru via Delhi, alongside its daily direct flights from Mumbai.
Despite these measures, complaints about “unethical pricing” persist. Vishwa Hindu Parishad national spokesperson Vinod Bansal criticized airlines, calling the price hikes “unfair and unethical.” He emphasized that the occasion should be about hospitality and service, not profit-making.
Historic Gathering at Mahakumbh
The Mahakumbh, held every 12 years, is the world’s largest religious gathering and began on January 13. The event will conclude on February 26. Pilgrims from across the globe are flocking to the Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers—for a holy dip believed to absolve sins and grant moksha (liberation).
Key bathing dates include:
- January 29: Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan)
- February 3: Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan)
- February 12: Maghi Purnima
- February 26: Maha Shivaratri
The Uttar Pradesh government has also stepped up arrangements to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of the devotees during this significant event.