It is the festive season and that too on a long weekend, which foresees a huge rush of passengers travelling to their families. Travel is mandatory for a large number of people staying farther and the airlines have viewed it as an opportunity.
The airfare for Delhi-Mumbai flights has been increased by 20% to 25%. The cheapest fare was recorded on Wednesday at ₹26,000 for a one-way trip. This is more than double the usual fare on the route.
Inflation In Airfares
The fare has specifically increased in these routes as Delhi and Mumbai airports are the busiest airports in the country. Both these airports are a connectivity hub to the neighbouring states that increases the traffic manifolds. An airline official said that the passengers are also taking advantage of the festive long weekend to plan trips and not just fly to friends and families.
Another airline official reported that lately, Delhi to Patna and Patna to Mumbai were the most expensive routes. A round trip from Delhi to Patna was ₹25,000 and a Mumbai-Patna trip cost was ₹21,000. They also added that because Chhat Puja also falls on a weekend, October 30, this has further led to an increased demand for travel.
Other than Delhi, Mumbai and Patna sectors, Delhi to Ahmedabad and Bengaluru to Mumbai routes have seen a whopping spike in demand.
Also read: Airfares To UAE From India, Pakistan Now 4 Times Higher Than Normal Rates
Special Festive Season Packages Launched By IRCTC
Also read: Indian Railways Bans These Items On Trains During Festive Period. Passengers, Take Note!
On the other hand, the Indian Railways has launched special festive travel packages and increased the number of trains on many routes. The authorities had announced a special train to cater to the increased demand. Western Railways announced that Mumbai-Mangaluru Junction Weekly Special train will operate every day from October 21, 2022, to November 11, 2022. The other two trains are also announced on the Ahmedabad-Okha route.
Along with announcing special trains, the Indian Railways has issued a fresh set of guidelines listing prohibited items on board to ensure safety.
Before you book your travel back home, ensure to compare the fares and check the guidelines.
Cover image courtesy: Wikimedia commons