The Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, has already witnessed a gathering of over 20 crore devotees. In response to the overwhelming turnout, the government has announced a 50 percent reduction in airfare for passengers traveling to Prayagraj.
Government’s Initiative to Reduce Airfares
Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed the implementation of reduced fares, stating that this new pricing structure is effective immediately. In an interview with NDTV, he emphasized the significance of the Maha Kumbh Mela and the government’s efforts to make travel more accessible.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation had previously instructed airlines to lower ticket prices, holding three meetings to ensure implementation. The airlines were reminded that the Maha Kumbh Mela, a grand religious event occurring once in 140 years, requires special considerations, including affordable travel options for devotees.
To balance financial concerns, the government has taken measures to prevent airlines from incurring losses due to the fare reduction. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had earlier directed airlines to rationalize fares for flights to Prayagraj. Officials met with airline representatives on January 23 to discuss the adjustments.
Additional Flights and Fare Fluctuations
In January, the DGCA approved 81 additional flights to accommodate the surge in demand. With this increase, the total number of flights to and from Prayagraj has now reached 132. However, the rise in demand also led to a sharp increase in airfare, particularly on the Delhi-Prayagraj route, where ticket prices surged 21 times before the government’s intervention.
Maha Kumbh Mela Infrastructure and Crowd Management
To manage the massive influx of devotees, a temporary city has been established in the Kumbh Mela area. This temporary settlement spans 4,000 hectares (9,990 acres), equivalent to approximately 7,500 football fields. To ensure convenience for pilgrims, authorities have set up 1,50,000 tents and an equal number of toilets.
Despite extensive preparations, the sheer volume of attendees has resulted in challenges, including a recent stampede at major bathing ghats. Officials are continuously monitoring the situation to enhance crowd control and safety measures.
The 50 percent reduction in airfare is expected to provide significant relief to pilgrims traveling for this once-in-a-lifetime religious gathering, making their journey more affordable and accessible.
