Pune: The All India Consumer Council's Central Maharashtra Region President, Balasaheb Auti, condemned the steep increase in airfare for flights to Prayagraj during the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela. Auti announced plans for a peaceful protest at Pune Airport to address the issue of inflated ticket prices, which he described as exploitation of devotees.

Twenty-five days ago, flight tickets from Pune to Prayagraj were available at ₹8,000. However, the current airfare has surged to ₹31,000—a threefold increase. Tickets to Varanasi, another key pilgrimage destination, have also jumped from ₹7,500 to ₹23,000 during the same period.

Auti criticized airline companies, stating, "There is no increase in fuel prices or taxes to justify such exorbitant fares. Many devotees, particularly from rural and farming communities, are traveling by air for the first time to attend the Kumbh Mela. The central government must regulate airfare, ensuring it is affordable and similar to the structure of rail and state transport fares."

Memorandum Sent to Government Officials

The council has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol. The memorandum calls for immediate intervention to regulate airfare and refund the excess amounts charged to passengers.

Planned Legal Action and Protest

The Consumer Council plans to pursue the matter through constitutional means and, if necessary, file cases in consumer courts to seek justice for overcharged travelers. "Details of the peaceful protest at Pune Airport will be announced shortly," said District Secretary Dnyaneshwar Unde.

Appeal to Exploited Devotees

Devotees who feel exploited by inflated airfare have been urged to contact District Coordinator Ashok Bhor (9423094042) or District Secretary Dnyaneshwar Unde (9158711240) for assistance.