‘Airlines for deduction of 50% for Maha -Kumbh’: Minister’s big announcement

New Delhi:

Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu has announced a 50 percent reduction in air fares for passengers traveling to Kumbh Mela in a special interview with NDTV. New reduced fares came under influence starting today.

The government has already directed the airlines to cut ticket prices. Three meetings were held with the airline companies before implementing the fare reduction.

Airlines were reminded that such a grand event occurs once in 140 years, and they should be conscious of importance.

At the same time, the government has ensured that the airlines do not suffer financial loss due to low fare.

Earlier, Aviation Watchdog DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) had asked the airlines to rationalize air fare for flying for prayer. On 23 January, DGCA officials held a meeting with airline representatives about this.

In January, DGCA approved 81 additional flights to meet the increased demand. Airlines, including SpiceJet, are operating more flights and the number of flights operated from the city has gone to 132.

But the increased number also came with a huge spike in the air fare, which saw the price of Delhi-Pagraj tickets alone.

The Maha Kumbh, starting on 13 January, will end on 26 February.

The total footfall for the Mega Religious Festival has overtaken 199.4 million, despite a stampede earlier this week due to huge crowd in the major bathing ghats.

A temporary city is bouncing 4,000 hectares (9,990 acres) on the banks of river – size of 7,500 football areas – with 150,000 tents to accommodate devotees and about the same number of toilets.