Airlines slash Mahakumbh 2025 fares by 50%, says aviation minister!

Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu announced a 50% airfare cut for passengers traveling to Mahakumbh Mela 2025. The revised fares will take effect from February 1. The decision follows three government meetings with airline companies, urging them to lower ticket prices.

Flights to Prayagraj saw a massive surge in ticket prices due to high demand. In January, Delhi-Prayagraj fares skyrocketed 21 times the normal rate. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stepped in, asking airlines to rationalize fares. On January 23, it met airline representatives to discuss pricing concerns.

To handle the rush, DGCA approved 81 additional flights in January, increasing total flights to and from Prayagraj to 132. Despite the price cut, the government assured airlines that they would not face financial losses.

Mahakumbh, which began on January 13, will continue until February 26. The grand religious gathering has already drawn over 199.4 million visitors. A temporary city, spread across 4,000 hectares, has been set up with 150,000 tents and an equal number of toilets to accommodate devotees.

Earlier this week, a deadly stampede at the main bathing ghats killed at least 30 people. The overwhelming crowd surge raised concerns over safety measures. Authorities are working to improve crowd management as more devotees arrive.

With reduced airfare, more pilgrims can now travel to Mahakumbh affordably. However, managing the massive footfall remains a challenge. The government continues to monitor the situation closely.