The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, has witnessed a sharp surge in airfares, with ticket prices skyrocketing by nearly 600%. As crores of devotees flock to the sacred city for the auspicious occasion, the rising cost of flights has prompted intervention from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), aiming to regulate airfares and ensure affordability for pilgrims.
In This Article:
Key Reasons Behind the Price Hike
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held once every 12 years, commenced on January 13, 2025, and is set to conclude on February 26, 2025. With over 12 crore visitors already having participated in the event, demand for flights to Prayagraj has exceeded expectations.
Factors Contributing to the Airfare Surge:
- Increased Demand: Key bathing days like Mauni Amavasya (January 29, 2025) have seen a spike in ticket purchases.
- Limited Connectivity: Prayagraj’s limited flight routes faced heavy strain, pushing prices up.
- Dynamic Pricing Models: Airlines adjusted fares based on demand, with some prices going up to ₹60,000 for one-way tickets.
For instance, as of January 27, one-way tickets from Delhi to Prayagraj cost upwards of ₹21,000, while Mumbai to Prayagraj flights ranged from ₹22,000 to ₹60,000. Travelers from Bengaluru faced similar price hikes, with tickets costing ₹26,000 to ₹48,000. These prices far exceed the usual ₹5,000 charged for similar routes under normal conditions.
DGCA Steps In to Address the Issue
The exorbitant airfare surge led the DGCA to take immediate action. The aviation authority instructed airlines to rationalize ticket prices, ensuring affordability for passengers heading to Prayagraj.
Measures Implemented by DGCA:
- Approval of Additional Flights:
To meet rising demand, the DGCA approved 81 extra flights, increasing Prayagraj’s connectivity to 132 flights across the country in January 2025. - Monitoring Airline Pricing:
Airlines have been directed to ensure fair pricing during the Maha Kumbh period. Aviation authorities are closely observing fare trends to curb profiteering. - Government Review:
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu assured the public of efforts to make flight tickets more accessible, highlighting the need for long-term strategies to manage fare hikes during festivals.
Pilgrims React to the Price Surge
For pilgrims and visitors, the dramatic rise in airfares has been a source of concern. Many expressed disappointment at the lack of affordable travel options during such a significant religious event. Critics argue that airlines are capitalizing on the increased demand, leading to calls for stricter regulations.
Traveler Perspectives:
- “It’s disheartening to see ticket prices higher than an international trip,” said a traveler comparing Mumbai-Prayagraj fares to flights to the Maldives.
- Others welcomed the DGCA’s intervention but emphasized the need for permanent guidelines to avoid similar scenarios in future festivals.
Looking Ahead: Managing Future Festive Travel
The Prayagraj airfare surge highlights the growing challenge of balancing supply and demand during high-profile events in India. While the DGCA’s actions provided temporary relief, experts believe that sustainable solutions are necessary to prevent price gouging during peak travel periods.
Proposed Solutions:
- Regulated Dynamic Pricing Models: Implementing caps on fare hikes during festivals.
- Expanded Air Connectivity: Increasing flight frequency and routes to major event destinations.
- Government Subsidies: Offering subsidized travel options for pilgrims during religious gatherings.
Conclusion
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage, drawing millions of visitors to Prayagraj. However, the soaring airfares have sparked a debate on affordability and accessibility, especially during major events. While the DGCA’s intervention brought immediate relief, long-term reforms in aviation pricing policies are essential to ensure seamless travel experiences for all.
BY – NIKITA
