Ahmedabad: With the ongoing Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj (Allahabad), demand for travel from Ahmedabad has skyrocketed, leading to a surge in airfares and long waiting lists for trains.

Airfares for flights from Ahmedabad to Prayagraj have reached a staggering Rs. 71,000 for the upcoming Mauni Amavasya (January 29th), a significant bathing day in the Kumbh Mela. Fares for earlier dates are also exorbitant, ranging from Rs. 33,382 to Rs. 63,846 on January 27th and Rs. 22,934 to Rs. 53,402 on January 28th.

Train Tickets in High Demand

The situation is equally challenging for train travel. Many trains to Prayagraj are already sold out, and waiting lists for sleeper class tickets have reached 183 for travel on January 28th and 204 for January 29th. Some trains are even running with “no room” boards. In another development, the 28th January train from Udhna(Surat) to Prayagraj and Banaras was cancelled by Railways. Railways would refund money to 1700 passengers on this account.

Private Bus Operators Cash In

In response to the high demand, private bus operators are charging exorbitant fares of up to Rs. 3,500 for one-way travel from Ahmedabad to Prayagraj.

Kumbh Mela Preparations

The Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu pilgrimage, is expected to draw crores of devotees. To accommodate the influx, the Indian Railways is running 170 special trains and 400 additional trains to Prayagraj. Some trains have been diverted to Subedarganj station to manage the increased traffic. Between January 13th and 23rd, a total of 950 trains were operated, with 425 carrying pilgrims to Prayagraj and 425 returning them back.