Starting February 1, 2025, airfare for those traveling to the Mahakumbh Mela will see drastic reductions, with the civil aviation minister, K Ram Mohan Naidu, announcing a 50% cut. According to NDTV, this fare reduction follows extensive discussions with airline companies aimed at making travel more affordable for the millions expected to attend the event.
The Mahakumbh Mela, which officially began on January 13 and concludes on February 26, is anticipated to attract over 199 million devotees to Prayagraj, known for its sacred bathing rituals. Amid this rush, airfare prices had skyrocketed, particularly for routes leading to Prayagraj. The ministry’s decision follows three meetings where the government emphasized the need for airlines to lower ticket prices without putting their financial stability at risk.
“This move is aimed at ensuring affordable travel for our citizens during this auspicious gathering,” Minister Naidu stated, highlighting the importance of accessibility to the Mela. The civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has played a pivotal role by previously urging airlines to rationalize airfares after ticket prices witnessed what some may describe as exaggerated inflation—an astonishing 21-fold increase for flights from Delhi to Prayagraj.
By January 2025, the DGCA had already approved 81 additional flights to meet the increased demand, boosting the total number of flights operating between major cities and Prayagraj to 132. This response demonstrates the commitment of the authorities to facilitate travel to one of the largest religious gatherings worldwide, even as soaring prices created obstacles for potential pilgrims.
The current atmosphere surrounding the Mahakumbh Mela, unfortunately, is not without its tragedies. Earlier this week, the overwhelming crowds at the main bathing ghats led to panic and chaos, resulting in at least 30 fatalities due to stampedes. Eyewitnesses shared harrowing accounts of the chaos, with one attendee voicing, “I came to the Mela to seek salvation, leaving with the body of my loved one.”
To accommodate the influx of visitors, officials have set up a vast temporary city on the banks of the Ganges, covering 4,000 hectares—roughly equivalent to the size of 7,500 football fields. This swath of land hosts about 150,000 tents and nearly the same number of toilets, providing necessary facilities for the massive crowds. Despite these efforts, safety concerns remain top of mind, prompting the local government to declare specific areas vehicle-free and cancel some VVIP passes to maintain control over the situation.
Local residents have stepped up, offering meals and shelter to many pilgrims, displaying the spirit of hospitality synonymous with the event. With temperatures fluctuated and chilly mornings giving way to warm afternoons, the weather adds another layer to the mystique of the Mahakumbh Mela, with many vendors and local aides making the event more accessible.
The government’s support and extensive planning show their commitment to public safety and comfort during this religious observance. Despite facing significant challenges from stampedes to the steep increase in airfares, increased flights, and the temporary infrastructure, the ultimate goal has been to provide solace and support to devotees participating in this revered event. Everyone hopes for smooth operations as the remaining days of the Mela continue before its official closure at the end of February.
Participants, officials, and businesses alike are keeping their fingers crossed for the remainder of the Mahakumbh, hoping it reflects the positive experiences of past gatherings rather than the tragedies of this week. The Mahakumbh Mela serves not only as a religious gathering but also as one of the largest congregations of humanity, highlighting the need for careful consideration of crowd management and transport costs.