In the lead-up to the highly anticipated consecration ceremony of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, a surge in demand for flight tickets from Bengaluru to this historic temple town has sent prices skyrocketing by nearly 400 per cent, as reported by The Times of India (ToI).
For a one-way flight from Bengaluru to Ayodhya scheduled for January 20, the cheapest available ticket is currently priced at Rs 24,000. This remarkable surge in demand has left only a handful of seats available for the weekend flights, as most tickets were snapped up well in advance.
At the pinnacle of this price surge, the most expensive ticket for the same route commands Rs 29,700. It reflects an astounding 395 per cent increase in ticket prices. The flight departs from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru at 1 pm, reaching Ayodhya at 11 pm, following a lengthy five-hour layover in Ahmedabad.
It's worth noting that despite the consecration ceremony being an invite-only event, ordinary people from all corners of the country have made elaborate travel plans to be part of this momentous experience.
The exorbitant cost of air tickets for the Bengaluru-Ayodhya route reaches its zenith on Saturday, January 20, followed closely by Friday, January 19, and Sunday, January 21. On January 19, flight tickets start from a staggering Rs 21,500, while on January 21, fares commence at Rs 10,000, according to a report by TOI.
This dramatic surge in ticket prices can be attributed to the enthusiasm generated by the announcement of the impending opening of the Ram Temple. Previously, one-way flight tickets to Ayodhya's Maharishi Valmiki International Airport were priced at a more modest Rs 6,000 when the airport commenced operations in January.
Even a month after the inaugural ceremony, ticket prices remain high. Passengers booking return trips from Ayodhya can expect to see their wallets lightened by Rs 6,000. However, the real sticker shock comes with the prices for the weekend of January 19-21, as they continue to surge with each passing hour in anticipation of the grand opening.
What are the options for enthusiastic travellers from Bangalore to join the grand occasion? As of now, there are no direct flights connecting Bengaluru and Ayodhya. However, starting January 17, Air India Express will begin operating thrice-weekly direct flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Most travellers must endure at least six to eight hours, including at least one stop-over in New Delhi, Gwalior, Mumbai, or Ahmedabad. Indigo and Air India Express are the only airlines providing connectivity to Ayodhya from Bengaluru.
Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India Express, noted, "As pivotal hubs in our network, Bengaluru will serve as a gateway to Ayodhya, providing pilgrims from South India with convenient one-stop itineraries."
In tandem with the aviation sector, the hotel and hospitality industry in Ayodhya has experienced an unprecedented boom. Nishant Pitti, CEO of EaseMyTrip, revealed that hotels are running at total capacity, allowing them to command significantly increased prices.
"Occupancy rates have surged from 80% to 100%, leading to substantial price hikes, with some select hotels charging up to Rs 70,000 per night," Pitti stated. Furthermore, Ayodhya is witnessing significant infrastructural development, with plans for 73 new properties, including 40 currently under construction.
Major hotel groups, such as Radisson Hotel Group, have also announced new hotel openings in Ayodhya in preparation for the grand consecration ceremony, which is set to take place in the esteemed presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Step1: Complete the online application by providing your passport details.
Step2: Submit payment online using a credit card.
Step3: Monitor your email for confirmation of payment and receipt of your eVisa, which will be sent electronically.
