People planning to travel to Patna for the upcoming Holi festival are facing a massive hike in airfares. Reports indicate that flight tickets from major metro cities have become two to three times more expensive than usual. In response to this situation and the lack of available train tickets, the Bihar government has launched a special bus service with subsidized fares to help migrants and students reach home safely.
Current Flight Ticket Rates for Patna
The rush for Holi has triggered dynamic pricing mechanisms used by airlines, causing a sharp spike in ticket costs. The most expensive travel dates are currently identified as March 1 and 2, just before the festival. Data shows that domestic flights from Mumbai or Delhi to Patna are currently costing more than a flight to Singapore. Here is a look at the current airfare trends compared to normal days:
| Route | Current Price (Approx) | Normal Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai to Patna | Rs 16,000 – 17,000 | Rs 7,000 – 8,000 |
| Bengaluru to Patna | Rs 15,600 | – |
| Delhi to Patna | Rs 13,000 | Rs 4,000 – 5,000 |
| Hyderabad to Patna | Rs 12,000 | – |
Special Buses and Subsidy Details
To provide relief to passengers, the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) has started operating 200 Holi Special Buses. This service began on February 23 and will continue until March 23, 2026. The state government is providing a significant subsidy ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,100 per ticket to make travel affordable for the common man.
Under this new scheme, the fare for an AC Seater bus from Patna to Delhi is set at Rs 1,254, while the AC Sleeper fare is Rs 1,893. These buses are also connecting Bihar to industrial hubs like Gurugram, Ambala, Panipat, and Surat. Passengers can book these tickets online to avoid overcharging by private operators.
