The Union Ministry of Tourism has activated a multilingual helpline and airlines are planning additional flights to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela from January 13.
Government-owned Alliance Airlines will operate 11 weekly flights from Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Guwahati, Jaipur, Jabalpur and Kolkata to Prayagraj. There will be 5 flights from Kolkata, while all other cities will have one flight per week to Prayagraj.
“We expect all our flights to be fully booked,” Alliance Air CEO Rambabu C.C. said.
IndiGo has also sought approval for additional flights to Prayagraj to meet high travel demand. The airline had no comment.
On Saturday, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and Ministry Secretary Vumrungman Vuarnam reviewed the airport’s preparedness to handle the special passenger rush during Kumbh Mela.
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“We are not only building new airports but also enhancing the capacity of existing airports to meet the growing demand for air travel,” Naidu said in the X-Post.
Prayagraj Airport’s passenger handling capacity has increased from 350 to 850 passengers per hour with the addition of check-in counters and X-ray machines. The number of aircraft parking bays will increase from four to seven and is expected to become operational this month, subject to regulatory approval. Currently, Prayagraj Airport operates from dawn to dusk with 14 flights (arrivals and departures) daily. According to Indian airport officials, airports will function 24/7 during the mela.
The Kumbh Mela attracts millions of devotees from January 13 to February 28. Six occasions are expected to see the highest footfall, including Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti, which are considered important for bathing rituals.
“We have set up a multilingual helpline for foreign tourists where we can provide all information about the Kumbh Mela. 50 The helpline will be launched soon. Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism will set up a pavilion at Prayagraj during the mela to facilitate VIPs and foreign tourists visiting Prayagraj. ,” said Mugdha Sinha, director general of tourism.
Beautification of the temple and basic amenities for tourists are being arranged by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department. Approximately 40,000 police personnel will be deployed and parking will be available for 500,000 vehicles. A public shelter consisting of luxury tents and 25,000 beds has been set up.
Demand for hotels in Varanasi increases
For hotels in Varanasi, the peak season will be extended given Varanasi’s proximity to Prayagraj.
“Both the Ramada Varanasi Katesar and Ramada JHV hotels in Varanasi are witnessing an increase in demand.The lack of branded hotels in Allahabad means that Varanasi will become a central hub for tourists attending Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. ,” said Sakshi Sehdev Dogra, head of sales and marketing (Eurasia) at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.
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“Both the Taj Ganges and Nadesar Palace hotels in Varanasi are experiencing a lot of demand during this period. We will also undertake food and beverage hospitality services during the event,” said Parveen Chander, Executive Vice President (Commercial), IHCL. he said.
Travel companies are also cashing in on demand. Ved Khanna, president of the Indian Association of Domestic Tour Operators, said that apart from organizing guided tours to spiritual sites, companies are also offering additional options such as stays at wellness resorts and cultural experiences.
