New Delhi: Raghav Chadha, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has criticized airlines for significantly increasing airfares during the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. He has urged the central government to take swift action to ensure air travel remains affordable for pilgrims.
In a video message, Chadha expressed his worries, stating, “For followers of Sanatan Dharma, the Maha Kumbh is a pivotal festival of faith and spirituality. Millions globally aim to visit Prayagraj for a sacred dip, meditation, and penance. However, airlines have chosen to profit from this sacred occasion.”
Chadha pointed out the dramatic rise in airfares, noting that flights to Prayagraj, which usually range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000, have skyrocketed to Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000. He remarked that such exorbitant pricing has disappointed thousands of devotees, making attendance to the festival difficult.
He urged the Union government to intervene, saying, “Airlines should not exploit this spiritual event for profit. On behalf of all pilgrims, I call on the government to intervene and introduce price caps or ensure affordable flight options for those traveling to the Maha Kumbh.”
Chadha referenced a previous success where the government responded to complaints about overpriced food at airports by implementing affordable canteens. He is optimistic that action will once again be taken and that airlines will lower their fares for devotees.
Due to the high airfares, many pilgrims are diverting to alternative routes, with Varanasi becoming a more cost-effective travel hub. As of January 28, prices for flights to Prayagraj from cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru ranged between Rs 24,000 and Rs 40,000, with some fares even exceeding Rs 53,000, while flights to Varanasi are approximately 50% cheaper.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently convened a meeting with airline representatives to address these concerns and urged them to add more flights and stabilize ticket prices.
Post-meeting, the Centre instructed airlines to operate additional flights to Prayagraj on crucial holy dip dates, including January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), February 3 (Basant Panchami), February 12 (Magh Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivratri).
The Maha Kumbh, a highly revered festival in Hinduism, commenced on January 13 with the ‘Pavitra Snan’ and will conclude on February 26, coinciding with Maha Shivratri.
Despite the harsh winter conditions, thousands of devotees are gathering at the Triveni Sangam—the meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. The festival is marked by immense devotion, and the upcoming Mauni Amavasya is anticipated to draw one of the largest crowds. Authorities are diligently working to ensure the smooth conduct of this grand spiritual event.