‘₹17K For Pune-Dubai Flight, But ₹28K For Pune-Prayagraj,’ Says X User; Netizens Quip ‘Dubai Chalo’ | File Photo
With pilgrims visiting Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela, flight tickets to the holy city have increased significantly from almost all places in the country, including Pune.
According to a report, the average one-way fare from Pune to Prayagraj has seen a jump of almost 78 per cent. Along with this, alternative routes to nearby airports have also witnessed a substantial increase. The Pune-Varanasi flight rate has climbed 35%, while the Pune-Lucknow route is showing a 13% rise.
An X (formerly Twitter) user took to the microblogging site and shared a comparison of ticket prices between Pune to Dubai and Pune to Prayagraj. “Pune to Dubai – 17K, Pune to Prayagraj – 28K,” she wrote, sharing screenshots from Skyscanner, a website where you can find the cheapest flight deal to your desired destination.
Reacting to her post, netizens joked that it was better to go to Dubai than Prayagraj. “Dubai chalooo,” commented one user. “Kumbh ka fever hai,” another user said.
Check out the reactions below:
Meanwhile, Akasa Air recently started daily flights from Pune to Prayagraj via Delhi. These flights have begun on January 28 and will continue until February 28.
Flight number QP 1807 will take off from Pune at 7:30am, arrive in Delhi at 9:45am, depart from Delhi at 10:50am and land in Prayagraj at 12:15pm. The return flight number QP 1808 will take off from Prayagraj at 12:05pm, arrive in Delhi at 2:20pm, depart from Delhi at 3pm and land in Pune at 5:15pm.
Additionally, pilgrims from Pune are travelling by train as well. Ram Paul Barpagga, Public Relations Officer, Pune Division, Central Railway, stated, “To accommodate the influx of passengers, the railway administration has deployed extra special trains nationwide, including from Pune. The number of trains heading to Prayagraj Junction and nearby stations remains regular.”
Many pilgrims have also booked private travel buses to Prayagraj. About 300 to 400 such buses have been booked. Officials of the private transport association said that these buses will operate on various dates next month.
