Pune-Nagpur Flight Fares Surge to Rs 12,000 Ahead of Diwali
As Diwali approaches, airfares on the Pune-Nagpur route have skyrocketed, making travel home increasingly costly for many.
Airfares for the Pune-Nagpur route have reached Rs 12,000, with potential peaks of Rs 25,000 during the festive season.
Railway reservations are challenging to secure, and bus fares have also surged, complicating travel plans for many.
Travel agents warn that last-minute bookings could lead to fares exceeding Rs 30,000 due to high demand.
As the festive season of Diwali approaches, the cost of air travel between Pune and Nagpur has surged, with ticket prices now averaging Rs 12,000. This increase comes as many residents of Vidarbha, who work outside the region, are struggling to secure affordable travel options. With railway reservations becoming increasingly difficult to obtain and private bus fares nearing Rs 9,000, flying has become one of the few viable options for those looking to return home for the festival.
Last year, airfares during the Diwali rush peaked at nearly Rs 19,000, and current trends suggest that prices could escalate even further this year. A Pune-based professional expressed frustration, stating, "Traveling home for Diwali should not cost a month’s savings." The situation is exacerbated by the limited availability of train tickets and the high costs associated with bus travel, making even short flights a significant financial burden, especially for families.
A recent fare comparison for flights from November 5 to 12 indicates considerable price fluctuations. On November 5, the lowest fare is approximately Rs 9,900, rising to Rs 11,800 on November 6. Prices drop to around Rs 7,300 on November 8, with the lowest fares for November 9 to 12 ranging between Rs 5,900 and Rs 7,800. However, these prices are for the least expensive options, and travelers seeking direct flights or more convenient timings will face much higher costs.
The Pune-Nagpur route has seen significant fare increases during previous festive seasons, with direct flights costing between Rs 15,000 and Rs 19,000 last year. The return journey from Nagpur to Pune also saw similar pricing trends. On the Mumbai-Nagpur route, one-way fares range from Rs 7,500 to Rs 11,200 during the same period, with prices dropping to around Rs 6,000 for dates after November 8.
Travel agents attribute the sharp rise in fares to a combination of high festive demand, limited direct flight availability, and the rapid depletion of cheaper seats. Shailesh Arya, a travel agent, noted that once the lower-fare seats are sold out, passengers are left with significantly more expensive options. As airlines implement dynamic pricing strategies based on demand, those booking closer to Diwali may find themselves paying exorbitant rates. For many in Vidarbha, the annual journey home is becoming a costly endeavor, overshadowing the joy of the festival itself.
