The ongoing operational crisis at IndiGo Airlines, characterized by persistent flight cancellations and delays, has triggered a significant shift in travel patterns from Lucknow. Stranded passengers, desperate to reach their destinations, are increasingly abandoning air travel for road and rail options. This sudden surge in demand is being leveraged by private transport operators, who have sharply increased prices for intercity and interstate journeys, turning a crisis into an opportunity for profit.
Passengers Stranded, Operators Cash In
Frustrated travellers facing last-minute cancellations or indefinite delays at airports are left with little choice but to seek confirmed alternatives. This has led to a dramatic spike in last-minute bookings for taxis, tourist cabs, and private bus services. However, this urgent demand has been met with exorbitant price hikes. Passengers have reported being quoted rates significantly higher than the normal fare, especially for routes connecting to major cities and neighbouring states.
Rakesh Tiwari, who opted for a road journey to Kanpur after his flight was cancelled, expressed the common sentiment, calling it a clear case of ‘aapda mein avsar’ (making profit out of a crisis). He stated that stressed passengers are being forced to pay inflated amounts simply to reach their destinations on time.
Sharp Fare Increases: A Comparative Look
The scale of the price surge is substantial and widespread. Operators have defended the hikes citing increased operational costs and driver commitments for longer hours.
Sameer Khan, a local travel agency owner, explained that the sudden influx of bookings for confirmed seats has driven prices up. He added that long-distance trips entail higher fuel costs and keep drivers away for extended periods.
However, the numbers tell a stark story of exploitation:
- Sleeper bus fares to Delhi have jumped from Rs 1,400 to Rs 2,600.
- Private car rentals for the Delhi route have risen from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,500.
Similar fare increases of up to 50% have been reported for travel to other major cities like Jaipur, Bhopal, Patna, and Gurgaon. A representative from a taxi union confirmed the unprecedented demand, stating they are receiving non-stop calls for outstation travel, with rates fluctuating based on distance, urgency, and vehicle type.
Calls for Regulation and a Sector in Turmoil
The situation has prompted passenger groups and affected individuals to urge regulatory authorities to monitor pricing and prevent blatant exploitation during this vulnerable period for travellers. Until IndiGo and other airlines can stabilize their operations, passengers feel they are at the mercy of alternative transport providers who control the market.
The disruption originating from IndiGo's operational woes is now creating ripple effects across the entire travel and tourism sector in the region. The crisis underscores the lack of affordable, reliable alternatives when a major airline faces systemic issues, leaving consumers to bear the brunt of both inconvenience and financial strain.
