Chhath Mahaparva: Expensive air tickets, 50-60% higher fares, flights to Bihar full

New Delhi. All flights to Bihar for Chhath, the grand festival of sun worship, are full. Despite fares that have increased by 50 to 60%, thousands of migrants have prioritized their faith. Waiting lists on trains have also disappeared, while bus operators are charging exorbitant fares in view of the huge crowds of people traveling to Bihar for Chhath.

According to data from travel portals and airlines, while the one-way fare from Delhi to Patna normally ranges from rs4,000 to rs6,000, it has reached rs8,000 to rs10,000 for October 25th to 27th. Fares on the Delhi-Darbhanga route are around rs13,000 and on the Delhi-Gaya route, around rs 12,000. Last-minute booking prices are even higher.

Millions of Bihari migrants living in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other metropolitan cities return to their villages to celebrate Chhath. Experts say that due to the imbalance in demand and supply during the festive season, airlines adopt dynamic pricing models, leading to sudden increases in fares. Major airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India have added additional flights on these routes. Despite the increase in seats, fares have not decreased.

200% Increase in Bookings Since Last Week
Data from private travel portals shows a 200% increase in bookings last week. Rajesh Kumar, originally from Patna and employed in Delhi, said that last year he could get a ticket for Rs 5,500, but this time he had to pay Rs 9,800. He has to go with his family, and he is forced to.

Bus fares from Delhi to Bihar have also increased: Normally, fares range from rs1,000 to rs2,000, but during Chhath, they increase to rs1,500 to rs4,000. Non-AC bus fares on the Delhi-Darbhanga route typically cost rs1,000-rs1,500, but during the festive season, they reach rs2,599-rs4,999.

The Government Should Consider Fare Capping
The Travel Agents Association demanded that the government consider fare capping. The Railways has operated special trains, but trains to Patna are already packed, and waiting lists run into the thousands. This problem occurs annually on routes in eastern India during festivals like Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath. Experts recommend that travelers book at least several months in advance. Alternatively, connecting flights or bus services from Lucknow or Varanasi may be cheaper, but this proves cumbersome for those making last-minute plans.