NEW DELHI, Feb 10: The issue of soaring airfares to Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh celebration was brought up in the Rajya Sabha on Monday during the Question Hour. The Civil Aviation Minister explained that there is a significant global interest in the event, leading to a demand-driven market.
Congress member Pramod Tiwari highlighted the disparity in airfares, noting that a flight from New Delhi to London costs approximately Rs 23,000, while one-way fares to Prayagraj are significantly higher: Rs 53,000 from Chennai, Rs 47,500 from Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, and Rs 51,000 from Bengaluru. Additionally, round-trip fares from Kolkata to Prayagraj are Rs 25,000.
Tiwari expressed concern over the exorbitant prices during the Maha Kumbh, questioning, “Is the government focused on faith or on profit? There should be no exploitation in the name of religion, Sanatan.”
The Rajya Sabha chairman acknowledged that the Maha Kumbh occurs once every 144 years, resulting in increased demand for travel to Prayagraj.
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu responded, stating, “I have clarified to the house that international airfares are determined by market demand. Fares fluctuate based on this demand.”
He further remarked, “Prayagraj holds more significance than London; hence, the influx of visitors. This 144-year event attracts millions globally.” The minister detailed improvements at Prayagraj airport, noting that terminal capacity increased from 6,700 to 18,000 square meters, and the number of connected destinations grew from eight to fifteen, with daily flight connections rising from 18 to 46.
“This is a demand-driven market… We aim to maintain a sensitive balance. Whenever fares appear excessively high, we intervene,” he assured, emphasizing the government’s commitment to keeping airfares reasonable.
Sanjay Singh from AAP also raised concerns regarding the drastic price variations between flights departing just half an hour apart.
Addressing another query about Patna’s international airport, the minister explained, “There are technical limitations due to the runway’s short length of around 2,000 meters, making it challenging for larger aircraft to operate.”
To enhance international travel, Naidu mentioned the Union government’s plan for a new greenfield airport in Bihar, attributing the current constraints to runway issues. He assured that regular domestic operations are being connected as much as possible across the country.
(PTI)
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