Maha Kumbh 2025: In a significant move to facilitate travel for devotees, Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu has declared a 50% reduction in airfare for passengers heading to the Kumbh Mela 2025. This is set to take effect from February 1, 2025. The decision follows extensive discussions between the government and airline companies aimed at addressing the soaring ticket prices during the event.
The minister's announcement comes after three meetings with airline representatives, where the government emphasized the need for affordable travel options for attendees of the Kumbh Mela. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had previously instructed airlines to rationalize their airfares for flights to Prayagraj, particularly after witnessing a sharp increase in ticket prices during the ongoing Mahakumbh.
To meet the heightened demand for flights, the DGCA approved an additional 81 flights in January alone, raising the total number of flights operating to and from Prayagraj to 132. This strategic move aims to ensure that airlines can accommodate the influx of passengers without incurring losses due to the fare cuts. Despite the reduced prices, airlines are expected to maintain their profitability while serving the needs of millions of pilgrims.
The Kumbh Mela, which commenced on January 13, 2025, is anticipated to draw over 199.4 million visitors by its conclusion on February 26, 2025. The event has seen a tragic incident earlier this week where a stampede resulted in at least 30 fatalities, highlighting the challenges of managing such a massive gathering.
In preparation for the vast number of attendees, a temporary city has been established across 4,000 hectares, featuring approximately 150,000 tents and an equal number of toilets. This infrastructure is crucial for accommodating the needs of devotees during this significant religious event.
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