Devotees have gone to great lengths to take a dip in the Triveni Sangam during the Maha Kumbh, but who knew that seeking ablution of their sins and salvation at one of the holiest places in India would come at such a steep cost? While airfares to and from Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh have skyrocketed, often reaching four to five times the normal rates, tickets for trains – the common person’s lifeline for travel across India – have also become a costly affair for many.
The Indian Railways launched several special trains to take devotees to Maha Kumbh Mela, a once-in-144-years affair, but booking train tickets to Prayagraj is next to impossible. All tickets until February 26 – when the Kumbh Mela ends – are on the wait list, with little to no chance of confirmation.
As a result, many are resorting to alternative, more expensive options. Some passengers are booking through the premium tatkal services, while others are buying tickets for longer routes and disembarking midway at Prayagraj or nearby stations.
Tatkal is a service provided by Indian Railways for passengers who need to book tickets at short notice, with the window opening one day in advance. Premium Tatkal, a more expensive version of this service, offers additional benefits but at a higher price.
For instance, one man paid Rs 3,659 for a third AC ticket from Delhi to Varanasi on Swatantrata Senani Express. The same ticket in the general category costs just Rs 1,055, while a Tatkal ticket costs Rs 1,455. The Premium Tatkal fare saw a staggering 246.7% jump from the normal fare. “At least I’m not paying Rs 30,000 for a one-way flight,” he said, requesting anonymity.
According to the Indian Railways website, Tatkal charges can range from 10% to 30% of the base fare, or Rs 400, whichever is higher. The minimum Premium Tatkal fare is the base fare plus the Tatkal charges, and with high demand, these fares can rise even further.
A couple in their 50s, travelling from Delhi to Patna to attend the Kumbh in Prayagraj, paid Rs 4,608 for a 3AC ticket aboard the RJPB Tejas Raj. The same train’s general category ticket for the same date to Prayagraj costs Rs 3,903, and the Tatkal fare is Rs 4,123. However, Premium Tatkal was unavailable on this route.
Their son, Rahul Kanhaiya, who booked the tickets, explained, “I couldn’t get tickets from Delhi to Prayagraj, as everything was waiting. But when I booked tickets from Delhi to Patna, they were available. They will get off at Prayagraj midway. I paid almost Rs 700 extra, but at least I don’t have to worry about their travel.”
Another commuter, who was travelling with his uncle from New Delhi to Varanasi via Shiv Ganga Express in first AC, paid Rs 1,250 extra per passenger to his agent for a confirmed ticket. “My total ticket cost was Rs 5,413, but I paid the agent Rs 2,500 extra to get the ticket confirmed. There are no tickets available, so this is the only option available,” he said.
As devotees continue to flock to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela, the soaring cost of travel – whether by air, rail, or road – highlights the financial strain many are willing to bear for a spiritual journey. Whether through expensive premium services or creative route planning, the desire to witness the Kumbh Mela remains a priority for countless pilgrims, no matter the cost.