Raghav Chadha Questions High Airfare During Mahakumbh: Why Is a ₹5,000 Ticket Now ₹50,000?

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has raised concerns over the exorbitant airfare for flights to Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh. He has urged the government to take immediate action against airlines exploiting the event to charge inflated ticket prices from devotees.
High Airfare Sparks Outrage
In a video statement, Chadha highlighted that flight tickets to Prayagraj, which were earlier priced at ₹5,000, have skyrocketed to ₹60,000-70,000. Calling it outright exploitation, he stated, "This is open looting. Many devotees are unable to attend the Mahakumbh due to such unreasonable fares."
Demand for Government Intervention
Raghav Chadha appealed to the central government to intervene and regulate airfare prices. He urged the government to set guidelines for airline operators to ensure ticket prices remain affordable for the public, allowing everyone to participate in the Mahakumbh without financial strain.
Escalating Airfare: A Serious Concern
Reports indicate that fares for flights to Prayagraj have surged dramatically. A flight ticket from Delhi, which usually costs around ₹3,000, is now priced at ₹40,000. Similarly, tickets from cities like Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar to Prayagraj are as high as ₹55,000-₹60,000.
Government Response
The central government has reportedly taken note of the situation and instructed airlines to increase flight frequency and stabilize fares. However, it remains unclear how soon these measures will be implemented.
Raghav Chadha’s statements have drawn attention to the pressing need for regulating airfare during large religious events like the Mahakumbh to prevent exploitation of devotees and ensure fair practices by airlines.