Maha Kumbh pilgrims struggle as transportation costs, hotel rates skyrocket

The total number of pilgrims who have taken a holy dip has reached nearly 56 crore till date.

With over 56 crore devotees taking a holy dip at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, the surge in demand has led to an unprecedented rise in transport and accommodation costs, leaving pilgrims frustrated. From boat rides to hotel stays, visitors are being forced to pay exorbitant rates, turning their sacred journey into a financial burden.

Last week, Anup Sarkar, a resident of Lucknow, traveled with his family to take a dip at the Sangam. To avoid the heavy crowd at the Kumbh Mela, he drove down to Areli and opted for a boat ride to reach the holy confluence. However, upon reaching the boat club, he was in for a shock.

“The boatman asked for Rs 3,000 per person to ferry us to the Sangam, while the government rate was Rs 150 per person. For a family of four, it should have been Rs 600, but they demanded Rs 12,000. After tough bargaining, we settled at Rs 6,000,” Sarkar said, still in disbelief at the inflated rates.

Transport Woes: Skyrocketing Charges

Similar instances of overpricing have plagued other pilgrims. Ramesh Kumar, who reached Prayagraj on February 14—two days after Magh Purnima—hoped for a thinner crowd, only to find himself stuck in a seven-hour-long journey from Lucknow, which usually takes four hours. After parking his vehicle, he had to walk 8 km to the Sangam.

“I saw a few youths ferrying people to the Sangam on their two-wheelers. They asked for Rs 1,000 per person, but after bargaining, I managed to settle for Rs 500,” Ramesh said. Poonam, a government employee from Delhi, shared a similar experience. “I had to pay Rs 500 for a motorcycle ride just to reach the Sangam. The crowd was overwhelming, so I took my dip and returned the same day,” she said.

With no official regulation, these unauthorised bike taxis operate unchecked, charging between Rs 500 and Rs 1,500 per ride. The local administration recently cracked down on this illegal transport network, fining over a dozen riders and collecting more than Rs 50,000 in penalties.

“These youths took advantage of the pilgrims’ urgency. They turned adversity into an opportunity and made quick money,” said Vijay Anand, a Nodal Mela Officer.

Manish Shukla, an unemployed postgraduate who joined this informal transport business, acknowledged the profits. “Most of us are college students, and we earn Rs 3,000-5,000 per day,” he admitted.

Adding to the transport chaos, even cycle carts, traditionally used for carrying construction materials, were repurposed to ferry pilgrims. These carts, carrying five to six people at a time, charged Rs 250 per person.

Hotel Prices Soar, Essentials Overpriced

Accommodation has become another nightmare for pilgrims. Hotels, which generally charge around Rs 1,500 per night, are now demanding anywhere between Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 per day.

Basic necessities have also seen inflated prices. A water bottle, usually priced at Rs 15-20, now costs Rs 30, while tea is being sold at Rs 50 instead of the usual Rs 10. “The unexpected expenses and logistical challenges turned what should have been a sacred and fulfilling experience into a frustrating ordeal,” Ramesh lamented.

Ashish Mitra’s Disheartening Experience

Not everyone could afford the steep costs. Ashish Mitra, a retired teacher from Kanpur, returned without taking a dip. “The crowd was unbearable, and the expenses were overwhelming. A simple religious trip shouldn’t burn a hole in one’s pocket. I had no choice but to head back without fulfilling my spiritual intent,” he said.

While the Maha Kumbh remains a symbol of faith and devotion, the commercialisation of essential services has dampened the spirit of many devotees.