The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has drawn lakhs of devotees from across the country. However, many visitors are facing unexpected hurdles due to the overwhelming crowds and skyrocketing expenses. Among them is Dinesh Rana, who had to abandon his pilgrimage after encountering steep transportation and accommodation costs.
Exorbitant Transportation Costs
According to News18 Hindi, Dinesh, along with his friends, embarked on a journey to the Maha Kumbh last Friday. Typically, the road trip from Delhi to Prayagraj takes about 10 to 12 hours. However, due to heavy congestion, Dinesh reached his destination on Sunday morning, only to find himself still 20 kilometers away from the Sangam coast. With public transport options limited, he searched for a ride but was met with exorbitant demands. E-rickshaw drivers refused to charge anything less than Rs 1,000, while bikers offered rides for Rs 500-600.
Left with no affordable alternatives, Dinesh and his friends decided to walk the entire 20-km stretch. Upon reaching the Sangam coast, exhaustion took over, and they looked for a place to rest. To their shock, hotels that usually charged Rs 1,000 per day had increased their rates to Rs 5,000 per hour. Despite searching extensively, they failed to find reasonably priced accommodation.
Frustrated and fatigued, Dinesh and his friends chose to return home without taking the customary holy dip. Describing the return journey, he recalled the chaos at the bus stop, where a massive crowd scrambled to board the available buses. “People were so desperate that some even tried to enter through the driver’s seat,” he shared.