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Mahakumbh 2025: Prayagraj Airport Leads the Way

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, Prayagraj Airport has undergone a significant transformation, emerging as a modern hub of connectivity for the grand Maha Kumbh Mahotsav 2025. With major expansions, efficient planning, and enhanced passenger facilities, the airport has become a gateway to the city of devotion and culture, accommodating millions of devotees from January 13 to February 26, 2025.

Key Highlights of Airport Transformation

Leadership and Oversight

  • Reviewed and supervised by Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu and Minister of State Shri Murlidhar Mohol.
  • Regular inspections and meetings ensured timely project completion.
  • Terminal expansion, construction, and passenger amenities were prioritized.

Enhanced Connectivity

  • Introduction of 81 new flights in January 2025.
  • Increased connectivity from 8 cities (December 2024) to 17 cities directly, and 26 cities with connecting flights.
  • Additional flights to major cities like Srinagar, Visakhapatnam, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore.
  • Akasa Air and SpiceJet added substantial capacity.
  • Akasa Air: 4,000 seats in January and February 2025.
  • SpiceJet: 43,000 seats in February 2025.

Operational Milestones

  • 30,172 passengers and 226 flights in one week during Maha Kumbh.
  • Over 5,000 passengers handled in a single day for the first time.
  • 24/7 connectivity enabled with night flights after 106 years.

Infrastructure Upgrades

  • Terminal expansion from 6,700 sq. m. to 25,500 sq. m.
  • New terminal operationalized for 1,620 peak-hour passengers, up from 540 previously.
  • Parking capacity increased from 200 to 600 vehicles.

Enhanced Facilities

  • Check-in counters: From 8 to 42.
  • Baggage machines: From 4 to 10.
  • Aircraft parking bays: From 4 to 15.
  • Airport gates: From 4 to 11.
  • Conveyor belts: From 2 to 5.

Passenger Comfort and Accessibility

  • New lounges, child care room, and six boarding bridges added (up from 2).
  • Affordable food options introduced with the UDAN Yatri Cafe.
  • Meet-and-greet assistance for differently-abled passengers.
  • Prepaid taxi counters and city bus services launched in collaboration with the UP Government.
  • Medical facilities enhanced with ambulance deployment and air ambulance services.

Special Measures for Maha Kumbh

  • Floral welcomes for pilgrims at the airport.
  • Airfare monitoring to control prices during peak festival days (Shahi Snans).
  • Ensured adequate flight capacity to meet the influx of devotees.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? Mahakumbh 2025: Prayagraj Airport Leads the Way
Leadership & Oversight Led by PM Modi, Ministers Ram Mohan Naidu & Murlidhar Mohol.
Connectivity 81 new flights; Direct: 17 cities; Overall: 26 cities.
Operational Records 30,172 passengers/week, 24/7 operations, 5,000+ passengers/day.
Infrastructure Upgrades Terminal area: 6,700 to 25,500 sq. m.; Check-in counters: 8 to 42.
Passenger Amenities Lounges, UDAN Cafe, boarding bridges (2 to 6), prepaid taxis, city buses.
Medical Facilities Ambulance deployment, air ambulance services.
Flight Capacities Akasa Air: 4,000 seats; SpiceJet: 43,000 seats (Feb 2025).
Special Measures Controlled airfares, floral welcomes for pilgrims.
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