Airfares to Mahakumbh drop 50% from today as the government intervenes to curb high ticket prices, ensuring affordable travel for pilgrims to Prayagraj.

Airfares to Prayagraj Slashed by 50% for Mahakumbh Mela Travelers

Starting today, February 1, airfares for passengers traveling to Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh Mela have been reduced by 50%. This significant fare cut was announced by Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, following extensive discussions between the government and airlines to tackle the sharp increase in ticket prices during the festival. The government has also assured that airlines will not suffer financial setbacks due to the fare reduction.

Addressing High Ticket Prices

Flight fares to Prayagraj had surged dramatically amid the ongoing Mahakumbh. In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directed airlines to regulate ticket prices. A key meeting was held on January 23 with airline representatives to discuss solutions. Additionally, 81 extra flights were approved in January to accommodate the growing demand, increasing the total number of flights to 132.

According to flight booking platforms, the Delhi-Prayagraj route, which previously saw fares as high as ₹29,000, has now dropped to an average of ₹10,000. The sharp decline—nearly 50%—is attributed to the introduction of additional flights. The civil aviation ministry confirmed that the newly launched flights have expanded seating capacity for Prayagraj-bound travelers to approximately 80,000 per month.

Maintaining Airline Stability

Despite the fare reduction, the government has assured that airlines will continue to operate without financial strain. The objective is to make air travel more affordable for devotees while ensuring airline companies remain financially stable.

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, announced on Thursday that airfare fluctuations have stabilized, and it has significantly increased its services on the Prayagraj route. The airline has scheduled 900 flights during the Mahakumbh period to cater to the high demand.

Air India Express has also strengthened its network, launching daily direct flights between Delhi and Varanasi from February 5. In addition, its Bengaluru-Varanasi route will expand from three to four daily flights, while the Hyderabad-Varanasi route—already operating daily—will see 30 extra flights added in February and March.

Expanding Connectivity to Prayagraj

Akasa Airlines has stepped up its operations, introducing daily flights linking Prayagraj with major cities such as Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru via Delhi. Between January 28 and February 26, the airline will also operate direct flights between Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Prayagraj. Currently, Prayagraj is directly connected to 17 cities, including new destinations like Srinagar and Visakhapatnam, with indirect links to 26 other locations across India.

With major bathing dates—February 3, February 4, February 12, and February 26—fast approaching, authorities are keeping a close watch on airfare trends. The DGCA has instructed airlines to maintain sufficient flight capacity to accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims expected on these peak days.

Massive Footfall at Mahakumbh Mela

The Mahakumbh Mela, which commenced on January 13, will conclude on February 26. So far, the event has attracted a staggering 199.4 million visitors. However, the immense crowd led to a tragic stampede earlier this week at the main bathing ghats, claiming at least 30 lives and injuring 60 others.

In response, authorities have implemented strict crowd-control measures. Vehicle entry into the fairgrounds has been prohibited, VVIP passes have been revoked, and roads have been converted to one-way traffic to streamline movement. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a judicial probe and reinforced security through increased patrols, traffic restrictions, and the relocation of vendors to ensure public safety.

Massive Temporary Infrastructure for Devotees

To accommodate the overwhelming number of pilgrims, a sprawling temporary city has been set up across 4,000 hectares along the riverbanks. The site features approximately 150,000 tents and an equal number of toilets, ensuring basic facilities for the millions attending the religious gathering.

As the Mahakumbh Mela progresses, officials continue to monitor crowd dynamics, airfares, and overall arrangements to facilitate a smooth and safe experience for devotees.

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