Uber, India’s leading ride-hailing platform, has announced a strategic partnership with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at Prayagraj Airport to deliver seamless and efficient transportation solutions. This collaboration aims to cater to millions of pilgrims and travellers visiting Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, one of the largest religious gatherings globally, expected to attract over 40 crore participants.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

1. Dedicated Pickup Zones: Uber will establish designated pickup zones at Prayagraj Airport with on-ground assistance and clear signage for a hassle-free experience.
2. Exclusive Discounts: Travellers can avail 25% off (up to Rs 200) on rides originating from Prayagraj Airport, making mobility more affordable.
3. Enhanced Technology: Users can book rides effortlessly through the Uber app, benefiting from reliable, tech-driven transportation solutions.

Strategic MoU and Airport Expansion

In April 2023, Uber signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AAI, extending its services to 20 AAI-operated airports across India. This latest collaboration at Prayagraj Airport underscores Uber’s commitment to supporting large-scale events like the Maha Kumbh Mela and meeting the growing demands of air travellers.

Leadership Insights

Director of Prayagraj Airport, Airports Authority of India, remarked:

“As Prayagraj prepares for the monumental Maha Kumbh Mela, ensuring seamless and reliable transportation is critical. Our collaboration with Uber enhances passenger convenience and strengthens the city’s infrastructure during this significant event. Uber’s innovative technology and on-ground support will greatly benefit travellers and contribute to the success of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.”

Shiva Shailendran, Director of Supply Operations, Uber India and South Asia, said:

“We are thrilled to partner with the Airports Authority of India at Prayagraj Airport. By integrating advanced technology with on-ground support, we aim to provide smooth, comfortable, and reliable mobility solutions during this iconic spiritual gathering. Our commitment extends to both passengers and drivers, ensuring a seamless experience for all.”

The partnership is also set to boost local economies by creating additional earning opportunities for Uber driver-partners during the peak travel season.

About Uber

Uber has been redefining mobility since its launch in India in 2013. Over the past decade, it has completed over 3 billion trips across 125 cities, offering a variety of services, including Moto, Auto, Cars, and Buses. With a focus on safe, reliable, and efficient mobility solutions, Uber continues to innovate, prioritizing customer satisfaction and driver empowerment.

For more information, visit Uber.com.

ixigo, India’s leading Online Travel Agency (OTA) for the Next Billion Users, has unveiled a dedicated microsite to assist travellers, devotees, and pilgrims in planning their journey to Maha Kumbh 2025. The event, taking place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025, is the world’s largest spiritual gathering, drawing millions of participants from across the globe.

The ixigo microsite is designed to be a one-stop solution for seamless travel planning, offering comprehensive guidance on logistics, rituals, key activities, and more. With the surge in travel demand, the platform simplifies the process of booking hotels, tents, flights, trains, and buses, while providing insights into the festival’s highlights, including the most auspicious bathing dates.

Key Features of the Microsite

• AI-Driven Travel Planning: Powered by ixigo’s advanced AI tool, PLAN, the platform delivers personalized itineraries catering to diverse preferences, such as heritage walks, family-friendly activities, and scenic photo spots.
• Immersive Content: Explore Prayagraj’s cultural and spiritual richness through curated videos showcasing landmarks, must-visit temples, and local food trails.
• Comprehensive Booking Solutions: Effortlessly book travel and accommodation, including special arrangements for tents and festival-specific stays.

Travel Surge Insights

As Maha Kumbh 2025 gathers momentum, ixigo reports a 2.6x increase in train and flight bookings to Prayagraj and its vicinity:

• Flight Bookings: Prayagraj flights surged by 162% YoY, while nearby hubs like Varanasi and Lucknow saw increases of 127% and 42%, respectively.
• Train Bookings: A 187% YoY rise was observed, with solo travellers making up 57% of these bookings, of which 39% are women.
• Bus Bookings: Cities like Delhi (27%), Nagpur (18%), and Jaipur (15%) drove significant demand, largely led by Gen Z and millennials.

Leadership Statement

Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO, and Rajnish Kumar, Group Co-CEO, ixigo, commented,

“Our Maha Kumbh 2025 microsite is crafted to empower millions of travellers with essential tools for a smooth journey to this iconic spiritual gathering. The unprecedented surge in travel bookings to Prayagraj reflects the immense interest in Maha Kumbh, and we are committed to providing a seamless, stress-free experience for pilgrims worldwide.”

About ixigo

Founded in 2007, ixigo (Le Travenues Technology Limited) is a trailblazer in Indian travel, leveraging AI to empower travellers to plan and manage trips across rail, air, bus, and hotel bookings. With over 48 crore Annual Active Users in Fiscal 2024, ixigo is India’s leading OTA for Next Billion Users, dedicated to making travel accessible and hassle-free.

Visit the Maha Kumbh 2025 microsite for more details: https://www.ixigo.com/plan/kumbh-mela

The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, has returned to Prayagraj in 2025, drawing millions of devotees and curious travelers from around the world. This grand event, one of the largest religious gatherings globally, is not only a celebration of faith but a remarkable opportunity for the tourism and hospitality industries, highlighting India’s potential to host monumental events that blend tradition and modernity.

A Spiritual Confluence at the Triveni Sangam

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, set at the sacred Triveni Sangam—the meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers—has captivated attendees with its deeply spiritual atmosphere and extraordinary rituals. The first Amrit Snan, held on January 14, witnessed an overwhelming participation of over two crore devotees, who flocked to the Sangam for a holy dip, marking the beginning of a series of sacred rituals.

This year’s event saw the participation of diverse groups, including the Naga Sadhus and Kinnar Akhara, who performed their holy dips with immense grandeur and reverence, showcasing the inclusive spirit of the Kumbh. Alongside local devotees, international spiritual leaders such as Yogmata Keiko Aikawa from Japan added a global dimension, highlighting the universal appeal of the festival.

The event’s spectacle extends beyond spirituality. Helicopters showered rose petals on devotees during the Amrit Snan, creating a mesmerizing visual experience. Additionally, the light and sound show, narrating the rich mythology of the Kumbh, has become one of the most popular attractions for attendees, further enriching their experience.

A Global Gathering

The Maha Kumbh Mela has always been a global event, drawing attendees from across the world. This year, notable personalities like Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, participated in the rituals, embracing the spiritual essence of the festival despite minor health issues. Her presence, along with other prominent figures from the business, political, and entertainment worlds, added to the significance of the event.

The festival is not only a gathering of devotees but also a confluence of cultures and nationalities, making it a unique opportunity for cultural exchanges. Religious heads, dignitaries, and representatives from the 13 akhadas continue to lead the festival’s ceremonies, ensuring the traditions are upheld while also catering to the diverse international crowd that attends the event.

Hospitality Sector Boost

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has had a significant impact on the tourism and hospitality sectors. With millions of people descending on Prayagraj, the demand for accommodations has soared. Hotels, guesthouses, and makeshift campsites in and around the city are experiencing unprecedented demand, catering to visitors from all over India and the globe. From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, every segment of the hospitality industry is benefiting from this massive influx.

The event also presents a unique opportunity for culinary tourism, as regional cuisines from Uttar Pradesh and other parts of India are showcased to cater to the diverse tastes of international and domestic visitors. Local vendors, food stalls, and restaurants are capitalizing on the opportunity, offering an array of traditional and fusion dishes to satisfy the festival’s attendees.

Moreover, the cultural and economic impact of the Maha Kumbh extends beyond just hospitality. The festival boosts local artisans, performers, and service providers, giving them a platform to share their craft and generate income. Vendors and craftsmen from all corners of India benefit immensely from the thousands of visitors attending the event, further bolstering the region’s economic growth.

Infrastructure Development and Future Growth

In preparation for the millions of visitors, significant investments have been made in infrastructure development. Roads, sanitation facilities, public transport, and security measures have been upgraded to ensure a smooth experience for attendees. These improvements benefit local communities and create a sustainable foundation for future growth in Prayagraj, ensuring that the city remains a key destination for cultural and religious tourism long after the festival concludes.

A Cultural and Economic Phenomenon

The Maha Kumbh Mela is more than just a religious event; it’s a celebration of India’s cultural heritage and its ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds. The festival’s influence extends far beyond Prayagraj, with international media outlets covering the event and amplifying its global reach. This helps position India as a premier destination for spiritual and cultural tourism, attracting visitors from around the world.

The hospitality professionals managing the logistics of the festival—ranging from accommodation to cultural immersion experiences—play a crucial role in ensuring a seamless experience for all participants. Their expertise ensures that the complexities of organizing such a massive event are addressed with precision, allowing attendees to focus on the spiritual and cultural aspects of their visit.

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is a testament to India’s ability to host events of monumental scale. Beyond its spiritual significance, it is a thriving hub for cultural exchange, tourism, and economic growth. As the world witnesses the grandeur of this celestial gathering, the hospitality and tourism sectors stand to gain immensely from this once-in-12-year event. The Maha Kumbh not only strengthens India’s position on the global map but also sets the stage for continued growth in the tourism industry, making it a landmark event for both spiritual seekers and industry professionals alike.