Chhath Puja 2024: Patna Bound Flights Now Priced Higher Than International Destinations

With millions of people planning to return to their hometowns in Bihar to celebrate Chhath Puja, airlines have capitalized on the increased demand by significantly increasing ticket prices. The situation is further worsened by limited seat availability as airlines struggle to accommodate the massive increase in the number of passengers.

Chhath Puja, one of the most important festivals in Bihar, is also majorly celebrated in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Falling right after Diwali, this four-day festival will be observed from November 5 (Tuesday) to November 8 (Friday) this year.

Sky High Flight Ticket Rates Shock Netizens:

As Chhath Puja approaches, airfares for flights to Bihar from major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Surat have skyrocketed. The high demand for flights during this peak travel period has led to ticket prices exceeding Rs 12,000, with some routes reaching as high as Rs 19,000. The most expensive fares are being observed for flights on the day before the festival begins.

Flight tickets from Delhi to Patna on November 4th and 5th are priced at approximately Rs 13,000, which is the most affordable option currently available for this high-demand route. Meanwhile, flights from Mumbai to Patna on similar dates have surged to around Rs 20,000. These fares are comparable to international flights from Delhi to destinations like Dubai or Bangkok.

While seasonal demand is a major factor for this rise in prices, it is also important to note that the limited availability of tickets, with many flights already fully booked well in advance, also contributes to this surge. However, the high fares and scarcity of tickets have no effect on the excitement and enthusiasm of people to reach home for Chhath.

Train Tickets in High Demand, Too

Aside from airfares, train tickets to Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh are also in high demand. During Chhath Puja, trains are packed with travelers heading home to celebrate. Travel agents, even while charging additional fees, often find it difficult to book tickets due to the overwhelming demand.

In order to accommodate the massive rush of travelers during the Chhath Puja season, Indian Railways has introduced special festival trains from major cities including Delhi, Patna, Varanasi, and Darbhanga. These special festival trains will run across the country, making it easier for thousands to reach their hometowns for the celebrations. Extra coaches have been added to these festival trains to increase their passenger-carrying capacity to meet the high demand, allowing more people to secure seats and avoid last-minute cancellations or delays.

Additionally, the railway department has implemented enhanced security measures to manage the significant increase in passenger traffic. As part of these efforts, hundreds of CCTV cameras have been installed at various locations to monitor passenger movement and prioritize the safety of travelers.