New flights have been started to ensure convenient movement during the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. The Civil Aviation Ministry said the operation of new flights has expanded the options to reach the holy city, which will help devotees reach Sangam. With the commencement of additional flights, the tent city has been directly connected to 17 cities of the country including Srinagar and Visakhapatnam. Apart from this, one can travel to Sangam via flight from 26 cities to take a dip.
The decision to increase flights has been taken in view of the increasing demand for travel facilities. Because lakhs of devotees are likely to attend the Mahakumbh which will continue till 26th February. This fair has started from 13th January. According to the ministry, 81 additional flights were started for Prayagraj in January. According to the data, flights to Maha Kumbh increased by 80,000 seats on a monthly basis.
The ministry said that in view of the upcoming Shahi Snan of January 29 and February 3, as well as important baths of February 4, 12 and 26, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has issued strict instructions. In view of this, DGCA has issued an advisory to the airlines asking them to ensure adequate number of flights to Prayagraj so that the devotees do not face any problem and the fares also remain under control.
As per the instructions of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Akasa Air has decided to start new flights from Ahmedabad and Bengaluru in February, which will facilitate 4,000 additional passengers. Similarly, SpiceJet is operating new flights from big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad, which will increase the number of seats by 43,000.
Prayagraj Airport has been modernized by adding new facilities, which has made it easier to handle the crowd. Now the terminal area has become four times larger. During peak hours, 1,620 passengers can easily travel at the new terminal and 1,080 at the old terminal. For the first time, night services have also been started from here, so that passengers can go towards their destination by catching a flight at any time. The airport has facilities like lounge, food and beverage, health services, boarding bridge and parking.
Railway station ready on Mauni Amavasya
Special arrangements will be implemented at the stations of Prayagraj Railway Division on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya on 29th January in Prayagraj Mahakumbh. An official statement said that so far more than 13 crore devotees have taken bath in the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh. It has been said that preparations are going on for ‘Amrit Snan’ on the great festival ‘Mauni Amavasya’ on 29th January. It is estimated that 10 crore devotees will come on the festival of Mauni Amavasya. In view of the large number of devotees, Prayagraj Railway Division has also made special arrangements. On the day of Mauni Amavasya festival, Prayagraj Railway Board has made a special plan for the arrival and departure of passengers at all the stations of the city.