Hey there, folks! If you’re planning to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, you might want to brace yourself for some shocking news. The ongoing religious gathering has caused a major uproar in the world of air travel, with airfare prices skyrocketing to unimaginable heights.
Millions of devotees flocking to Prayagraj have found themselves facing exorbitant ticket prices, some even surpassing the costs of international flights. The All India Consumer Panchayat (ABGP) has raised concerns over this issue and is calling on the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to step in and regulate airfares before things get out of control.
Reports have shown that airfare prices for popular routes like Mumbai to Prayagraj have shot up from the usual range of Rs 5,000–Rs 8,000 to an eye-watering Rs 32,000–Rs 40,000. And if you thought that was bad, wait until you hear that some flights from Chennai to Prayagraj are going for a jaw-dropping Rs 70,996 for a one-way trip—higher than a flight to London or Bali!
To address the issue, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved 81 additional flights to Prayagraj, bringing the total number of flights to 132 across India. Despite these efforts, concerns about unethical pricing practices continue to loom large.
Political leaders like AAP MP Raghav Chadha have also chimed in, slamming airlines for taking advantage of devotees’ faith and urging the government to put a cap on airfares. The All India Consumer Panchayat is pushing for affordable travel options and direct flight services from major cities to Prayagraj to make the journey more accessible for everyone.
With the Maha Kumbh expected to draw in a whopping 45 crore attendees by the end of February, it’s crucial for the government and airlines to ensure fair pricing and adequate travel options for all those making the pilgrimage. Stay tuned as the story unfolds and we see if action is taken to address these sky-high airfare prices.
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