VHP urges intervention against inflated airfares during Maha Kumbh
NEW DELHI: The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for immediate intervention by the ministry of civil aviation to address the issue of exorbitant airfares charged by airlines during the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal expressed concerns over the skyrocketing ticket prices, labelling them as “unjust and unethical,” and demanded prompt action to ensure fair pricing for pilgrims.
According to Bansal, while the state government, along with various religious, social, and service-oriented organisations, is providing extensive support to ensure the safety, convenience, and hospitality of devotees, certain aviation companies are exploiting the influx of pilgrims by drastically increasing airfares. He said that as per reports normal class airfares have surged by 200% to 700%, leaving many pilgrims unable to afford flights or secure alternative travel options due to high demand for train tickets.
“In such a scenario, airlines should focus on limiting their fares, expanding services, and prioritising passenger convenience,” said Bansal, “This occasion calls for hospitality, dedication, and respectful service, not unjust profiteering through inflated airfares.”
VHP commended Indian Railways for its efforts in increasing train services and maintaining reasonable ticket prices but criticised airlines for failing to act responsibly. With just a month remaining for the Maha Kumbh, Bansal emphasised that airlines should prioritise exemplary hospitality and passenger satisfaction over short-term profits.
The VHP has urged the civil aviation ministry, along with other relevant authorities, to take strict action if airlines do not voluntarily reduce fares and address the inconvenience caused to pilgrims. “The competition among airlines should not be about increasing fares but about reducing them and enhancing services,” he added.
VHP has tagged key government bodies and officials, including the ministry of civil aviation (@MoCA_GoI), minister Jyotiraditya Scindia (@JM_Scindia), and the Prime Minister’s Office (@PMOIndia), urging their immediate attention to the matter.