Tag Archives: Prayagraj

DGCA steps in amid Maha Kumbh airfare surge; allows 80+ flights to meet demand

Amid soaring airfares for flights to Prayagraj due to the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have taken decisive steps to regulate ticket prices and enhance connectivity.

The Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, has driven unprecedented demand for air travel to Prayagraj. Reports indicate a sharp 21% increase in ticket prices for Delhi-Prayagraj flights, with fares spiking further around key ‘snan‘ (bathing) dates.

In response, the DGCA held a high-level meeting with airlines, instructing them to rationalise fares and expand capacity. Over 80 new flights have been approved to address the surge in demand, including 17 specifically added for the Kumbh season, increasing Prayagraj’s air connectivity from 8 to 15 destinations.

Enhanced Facilities for Travellers
Prayagraj Airport has been upgraded significantly for the event, including the launch of night services for the first time in 106 years. To improve last-mile connectivity, the airport has partnered with the Uttar Pradesh government to introduce city bus services for passengers.
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu emphasised that airlines have been sensitized to ensure reasonable pricing. The DGCA has established a Tariff Monitoring Unit (TMU) to oversee airfares on key domestic routes and prevent excessive charges.

“The government has been actively engaging with airlines and online ticketing agents to ensure fair pricing and prompt refunds for passengers,” the minister stated during the winter session of Parliament. He added that airfares in 2024 have moderated compared to 2023 due to continuous oversight.

With these measures, the government aims to provide affordable and convenient travel options for the millions of pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.

Akasa Air starts daily flights to Prayagraj from Delhi & Mumbai

Akasa Air ramped up its connectivity to Prayagraj with special flights from four Indian cities in addition to its daily direct services from Mumbai and Delhi to cater to the increased travel demand during the Maha Kumbh 2025.

Between January 27th and February 28th, 2025, Akasa Air will operate daily flights connecting Prayagraj with Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru via Delhi.

Additionally, between January 28th, 2025, and February 26th, 2025, the airline will operate special direct flights connecting Ahmedabad and Bengaluru with Prayagraj, offering enhanced capacity and choices for travellers across the country. Bookings for special flights are now open on Akasa Air’s website www.akasaair.com, Android and iOS app and through multiple leading OTAs.

Commenting on the announcement Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said, “The Mahakumbh is one of the largest spiritual events in the world, and we understand the significance it holds for pilgrims. We are delighted to be able to support the movement of millions of devotees and bind the country together through enhanced, reliable and affordable travel options. The gathering will also provide boost to the local economy in Prayagraj and these additional flights will further provide impetus to this growth. We look forward to hosting travellers, and hope they enjoy the Akasa experience.”

 

 

Flight Schedule:

 

Flt.

Numb er

 From City (Airport) Departure Time Arrival Time Via Departure Time Arrival Time Flt.

Number

 To City (Airport) Frequency
27th January 2025- 28th February 2025 (Via Delhi)  
QP

1807

 Pune 07:30hrs 09:45hrs Delhi 10:50hrs 12:15hrs QP 1807 Prayagraj Daily
QP

1808

 Prayagraj 12:50hrs 14:20hrs Delhi 15:00hrs 17:15hrs QP 1808 Pune Daily
QP

1405

 Hyderabad 05:50hrs 08:10hrs Delhi 10:50hrs 12:15hrs QP 1807 Prayagraj Daily
QP

1808

 Prayagraj 12:50hrs 14:20hrs Delhi 20:50hrs 23:05hrs QP 1409 Hyderabad Daily
QP

1359

 Bengaluru 05:00hrs 07:50hrs Delhi 10:50hrs 12:15hrs QP 1807 Prayagraj Daily
QP

1145

 Ahmedabad 05:40hrs 07:20hrs Delhi 10:50hrs 12:15hrs QP 1807 Prayagraj Daily
QP

1808

 Prayagraj 12:50hrs 14:20hrs Delhi 18:40hrs 20:20hrs QP 1334 Ahmedabad Daily
QP

1808

 Prayagraj 12:50hrs 14:20hrs Delhi 19:45hrs 22:30hrs QP 1630 Goa Daily

 

Flt. Number From City

(Airport)

 Departure Time Arrival Time To City

(Airport)

 Frequency
28th January- 26th February 2025 (Direct)
QP 1852 Ahmedabad 10:50hrs 12:30hrs Prayagraj Tue, Wed
QP 1853 Prayagraj 13:10hrs 15:00hrs Ahmedabad Tue, Wed
QP 1852 Ahmedabad 10:35hrs 12:20hrs Prayagraj Tue, Wed
QP 1853 Prayagraj 12:55hrs 14:45hrs Ahmedabad Tue, Wed
15th February – 25th February 2025 (Direct)
QP 1494 Ahmedabad 14:50hrs 16:55hrs Prayagraj Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun
QP 1412 Bengaluru 08:40hrs 11:10hrs Prayagraj Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun
QP 1412 Bengaluru 14:30hrs 17:00hrs Prayagraj Wednesday
QP 1493 Prayagraj 11:50hrs 13:50hrs Ahmedabad Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun
QP 1413 Prayagraj 17:35hrs 20:05hrs Bengaluru Daily

Indian Railways to operate 13k train services for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

 

Indian Railways has unveiled plans to operate 13,000 train services for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, expecting a record 40 crore devotees. This includes 3,134 special trains, nearly 4.5 times the number provided during the 2019 Prayagraj Ardh Kumbh, supplementing 10,000 regular services. With a commitment to ensuring seamless travel for pilgrims, significant improvements in railway infrastructure, worth INR 5,000 crore, have been undertaken, including doubling key railway lines.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of Hinduism’s largest religious events, begins on January 13, 2025, in Prayagraj and concludes on February 26, 2025. Key bathing dates include Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 29), and Basant Panchami (February 3). Indian Railways will operate 1,869 short-distance trains, 706 long-distance trains, and 559 ring trains, a new service for very short travel routes, to manage the overwhelming influx of pilgrims.

Special trains will connect cities like Una, Guntur, Jaynagar, and Moula Ali with Prayagraj, accommodating both short- and long-distance travellers. To further support devotees, Indian Railways has set up medical booths and small hospitals at major stations, ensuring 24/7 first-aid services and trained staff to address health concerns during the event.

IRCTC has introduced a temporary ‘tent city’ in Prayagraj to provide accommodation for devotees. With upgraded facilities and a focus on health and safety, the railways aim to make the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 a seamless and spiritually enriching experience for all attendees.

Preparations in full swing for Maha Kumbh 2025

Paytm offers discounts on bus & flights for pilgrims of Maha Kumbh 2025

One 97 Communications Limited (OCL), which owns the brand Paytm, through Paytm Travel, is offering exclusive discounts on bus, flight, and train bookings to Prayagraj, along with exciting chances to win free flight tickets. These initiatives are designed to make the journey comfortable, convenient, and memorable for pilgrims attending this sacred gathering.

In support of pilgrims making this sacred journey, Paytm Travel is offering exclusive promotions. Senior citizens can avail a 10% discount on flights by using the promo code “SENIORKUMBH,” ensuring a comfortable and affordable travel experience. Families and friends travelling to Prayagraj can book three flight tickets using promocode ‘FLYKUMBH’ to get the fourth ticket free. Pilgrims can also engage with the ‘Spin the Wheel’ feature on the Paytm app for a chance to win a free flight ticket to Prayagraj. These offers are valid throughout January 2025, making travel more affordable and convenient for those attending this sacred gathering.

The majority of travellers prefer train journeys, and for them, Paytm offers its innovative Guaranteed Seat Assistance feature, integrated with IRCTC. This simplifies ticket booking by ensuring a confirmed seat. Pilgrims can select their preferred train options and enjoy a smooth, hassle-free travel experience.

Vikash Jalan, CEO – Paytm Travel, said, “MahaKumbh Mela is a sacred and transformative experience that unites millions of people in a remarkable celebration of faith and devotion. We are deeply moved by the dedication of our fellow Indians who travel from far and wide to honor this cultural tradition. We are grateful to the government for providing extensive travel solutions and prioritising the comfort of pilgrims. It is our privilege to support pilgrims on their spiritual path.”

Air India is on an expansion spree, in India and abroad.

Air India to operate daily flights on Delhi-Prayagraj route for Maha Kumbh 2025

Air India will temporarily operate daily flights between Delhi and Prayagraj during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, the world’s largest spiritual gathering.

To meet the high travel demand, Air India will operate the route from January 25 to February 28, 2025. With these flights, Air India brings the only full-service flying option between the two cities for customers, offering them the choice of premium cabins in addition to Economy Class.

With convenient daytime departures in both directions, the flights enable seamless connections via Delhi to customers travelling to/from various parts of India as well as North America, Europe, Australia, and several countries in Southeast Asia.

Bookings for the flights are being progressively opened on all channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents.

 

SCHEDULE OF FLIGHTS BETWEEN DELHI AND PRAYAGRAJ
Period Flight # Frequency Sector Departure Arrival
25 Jan – 31 Jan 2025 AI2843 Daily Delhi-Prayagraj 14:10 15:20
AI2844 Daily Prayagraj-Delhi 16:00 17:10
01 Feb – 28 Feb 2025 AI843 Daily Delhi-Prayagraj 13:00 14:10
AI844 Daily Prayagraj-Delhi 14:50 16:00

Prayagraj likely to see 45 cr devotees this year

 

The historic Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is set to witness a massive influx of over 45 crore devotees this year. Preparations are in full swing for the grand event, which will run until February 26, 2025. The Shahi Snan, or royal bathing rituals, will take place on auspicious dates, including January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).

A multi-layered security system, dubbed “impenetrable security chakravyuh,” has been implemented around Prayagraj to safeguard key locations such as temples and akhadas. Mock drills are being conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Police in collaboration with the ATS, NSG, and PAC to ensure preparedness.

Advanced technology is playing a vital role in maintaining security at the event. A total of 2,700 AI-enabled cameras have been installed around the Kumbh area, while 113 underwater drones are being deployed to monitor waterways. This ensures a robust surveillance system for the safety of devotees.

The Maha Kumbh, celebrated every 12 years, holds immense spiritual significance as it marks the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The grand event is a symbol of faith, attracting millions of pilgrims from across the globe.