Despite high airfares, heavy rush on Kochi-Prayagraj sector

With flight prices touching ₹50,000, many forced to leave from places like Coimbatore or opt for time-consuming train travel before Maha Kumbh Mela ends on Feb 28

- KRISHNA KUMAR K E @Kochi

DESPITE the Centre announcing a 50% cut in airfares for those travelling to the Maha-kumbh Mela, the Kochi-Prayagraj sector is witnessing a heavy rush of pilgrims with airfares continuing to soar over ₹25,000 as the religious gathering enters its final phase.

"We have been witnessing heavy demand for the last two weeks, especially after a couple of Malayalam celebrities attended the event. Many Malayalis are now travelling to the festival, which will draw to a close on February 26, on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. We expect demand to continue till the penultimate day of the mela. Airfares on direct flights are hovering above ₹25,000, instead of the normal ₹8,000-10,000," said a senior travel consultant with Akbar Travels of India Pvt Ltd.