Airfare from Chandigarh to Prayagraj Surges Fourfold
Flight fares skyrocket ahead of Mahakumbh; Chandigarh-Prayagraj route sees increased demand.
Chandigarh: The airfare from Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh, to Prayagraj has witnessed a fourfold increase due to the rising demand ahead of the Mahakumbh. The flight, which operates every Monday at 4:35 PM, was launched on January 13 and has since seen a massive surge in bookings.
Initially, the fare for the Chandigarh-Prayagraj flight was set at ₹6,447 based on a flexi-fare system. However, the price for the flight scheduled on January 27 has now escalated to a staggering ₹26,000. Meanwhile, the flight departing on January 20 is already fully booked, reflecting the enthusiasm of devotees traveling for the Mahakumbh.
Ajay Verma, CEO of Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, stated, “There has been an overwhelming response from devotees planning to attend the Mahakumbh. Last week alone, 70 passengers traveled from Chandigarh to Prayagraj.” He also mentioned that IndiGo Airlines has introduced a connecting flight for the route, which has also seen a steady rise in bookings.
The Chandigarh-Prayagraj flight departs every Monday and returns from Prayagraj to Chandigarh every Wednesday. Apart from the direct flight, there is an option for connecting flights via Delhi, with fares starting at ₹11,000 based on the flexi-fare system.
This sharp rise in ticket prices has been attributed to the high demand during the Mahakumbh season. Devotees from Chandigarh and neighboring regions are eager to travel to Prayagraj, leading to sold-out flights and soaring fares. The high demand has also prompted airlines to explore additional flights to cater to the growing number of passengers.
Passengers have expressed mixed reactions to the fare hike. While some are willing to pay the premium to attend the Mahakumbh, others have criticized the sharp increase in prices, calling for measures to regulate airfare during peak seasons.
The Mahakumbh, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, attracts millions of devotees, making Prayagraj a hub of activity during the event. With flights from Chandigarh in high demand, travelers are advised to book their tickets well in advance to secure a seat at reasonable prices.
As the Mahakumbh season progresses, the surge in bookings is expected to continue, with travel operators and airlines bracing for more passengers. This trend underscores the cultural and spiritual significance of the event, which draws people from all corners of the country.