INDIA

Government Announces 50% Airfare Reduction for Mahakumbh Mela 2025

Mumbai: In a significant move to facilitate travel for devotees attending the Mahakumbh Mela 2025, Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu announced a 50% reduction in airfare for passengers flying to Prayagraj.

The revised fares will take effect from February 1, following multiple discussions between the government and airline companies.The decision comes after airfares for Prayagraj saw a sharp surge due to high demand during the religious congregation.

Earlier, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had directed airlines to rationalize ticket prices after a meeting with airline representatives on January 23.

To accommodate the increased influx of travelers, the DGCA also approved 81 additional flights in January, bringing the total number of flights operating to and from Prayagraj to 132.

However, this surge in demand had led to a dramatic 21-fold increase in Delhi-Prayagraj ticket prices.

To ensure airlines do not incur significant losses due to the fare reduction, the government has devised measures to support the aviation industry, as per an NDTV report.

The Mahakumbh Mela, which began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, has witnessed a staggering footfall of over 199.4 million devotees so far. The massive influx has also resulted in logistical challenges, including a stampede earlier this week at the main bathing ghats, which claimed at least 30 lives.

Spanning approximately 4,000 hectares—equivalent to 7,500 football fields—a temporary city has been erected on the riverbanks to accommodate pilgrims. This extensive setup includes 150,000 tents and an equal number of toilets, ensuring adequate facilities for attendees.

The Mahakumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, drawing millions of devotees who come to take a holy dip in the Ganges. With the new fare reductions, the government aims to make the pilgrimage more accessible for all.

Follow us on TwitterGoogle News, and Instagram and like us on Facebook for the latest updates and exciting stories.

Show More

Leave a Reply

Back to top button