The current Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj has drawn millions of pilgrims from all over the world. On the other hand, due to exorbitant airline fare prices, the event is being shadowed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha who has come forward to solve the problem.
Chadha has reached to the government to regulate flight fares to Prayagraj and has been asking for the coverage of fare ceiling on the flights to Prayagraj, as the ticket prices have reached to the new high. People of the world around us are eager to reach Prayagraj to pray and meditate. Alas, this event has become a money-making enterprise for airlines. A regular flight costing Rs 5,000-6,000 is now priced at Rs 50,000-60,000, Chadha stated in a video message.
Increase in fares has stunned numerous devotees and they thronged to Prayagraj for the holy event and could not fulfill their journey. Chadha condemned the airlines, accusing them of exploiting devotees’ faith for profit. He urged the government to investigate these pricing practices and ensure affordable travel options for pilgrims.
Government Intervention Urged
Chadha further noted that the seva of devotees is a holy duty and suggested steps to reduce the financial load on tourists. He proposed to include a price cap on ticket prices or to set aside special discounted tickets for devotees. In his petition, he said, “There is no dharma greater than serving the devotees.
The parliamentarian indicated hope that the government would finally answer this call, just as he did in the past when it would listen to concerns relating to the traveler.
The prices of Air-Tickets to Prayagraj have soared to unusually high levels compared to ordinary days. On behalf of all the devotees who wish to undertake the pilgrimage to the Maha Kumbh, I urge the Union Government to intervene and stop airlines from charging exorbitant fees,… pic.twitter.com/x9A9zH8CcX
— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) January 28, 2025
Past Success with Udaan Yatri Canteens
Chadha referenced a similar intervention he led during the Winter Session of Parliament, where he raised concerns about the exorbitant prices of food and water at airports. He also stated that snacks and drinks were priced twice or three times more retail, such that they were inaccessible to the typical tourist.
For instance, a bottle of water costing Rs 20 in markets was being sold for Rs 100 at airports. Following Chadha’s plea, the government started the Udaan Yatri canteen project . The first such facility opened at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, offering tea, coffee, water, and snacks at nominal prices.
Reports revealed that a cup of tea at the Udaan Yatri cafe costs just Rs 10, a move that was widely appreciated by passengers. Chadha expressed optimism that the government would adopt a similar approach to address the issue of inflated airline ticket prices for Maha Kumbh travelers.
The Kumbh Mela and Its Significance
Kumbh Mela, the world’s biggest religious congregation of Hindus, has deep spiritual meaning for a large number of Hindus. The 2025 Maha Kumbh, currently being conducted in Prayagraj, has caught the eyes of the world. Devotees from all corners of the world are eager to participate in rituals, prayers, and meditations on the sacred banks of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
Nevertheless, the skyrocketing flight prices have set vast obstacles for most devotees, killing the festive atmosphere of this only-for-once celebration. Chadha’s plea for government intervention comes amidst the more general worries of travelers and devotees, who feel priced out of a chance to take part in this religious feast.
Hope for Affordable Travel Solutions
Meanwhile, given the government’s review of Chadha’s appeal, there is increasing speculation among worshippers about options to control the explosive rise in ticket prices. Subsidized flights, airfare caps or other travel provision may enable the Maha Kumbh to be available to everybody regardless of their circumstances financially.
Solving this provides the government a chance to reassert its commitment to service to the people and ensuring the integrity of cultural and religious festivals, such as the Kumbh Mela.
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