Holi, occurring in early March this year, typically experiences an increase in travel. Migrant workers and students return home, while families scramble to secure last-minute tickets. As demand escalates, so do fares. However, this year, the increase has been particularly steep.
Fares soaring by up to 185%
Data from various booking platforms reveals that ticket prices on major routes have jumped by as much as 185% compared to fares for dates just two weeks later. A Bengaluru–Gorakhpur ticket for the 28th of February is currently priced around ₹20,829, excluding taxes. By mid-March, the same route drops to approximately ₹8,000.
This trend is evident on routes connecting Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru with cities in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar—corridors that witness heavy festive travel annually.
Airlines implement dynamic pricing: as demand rises and seats fill, fares increase. This pattern is typical during significant festivals like Holi. However, what is particularly noteworthy this year is the magnitude of the increase and the limited alternatives available, with train tickets on popular routes already waitlisted.
Supreme Court raises “very serious concern”
On Monday, Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta acknowledged petitions alleging arbitrary fare fixation. According to reports from Bar and Bench, the court remarked, “This is a very serious concern. Otherwise, we don’t entertain Article 32 petition.”
Representing the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik informed the bench that the issue is being examined “at the highest level.” He requested four weeks to submit a comprehensive affidavit detailing the actions taken.
“The Solicitor General has also convened a meeting. We are in discussions with the highest authorities,” Kaushik stated, asking for time to provide a response.
The court granted this request and scheduled the matter for hearing on 23 March.
Implications for travelers
Currently, there is no immediate relief from high fares. With the hearing weeks away and peak travel days fast approaching, passengers must contend with limited seats and elevated prices.
