New Delhi/IBNS: Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu on Friday announced a 50 percent reduction in airfare for passengers who travel to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj.

The revised fares came into effect starting Friday.

The Centre has already directed airlines to cut ticket prices.  Three meetings were held with airline companies before implementing the fare reduction.

The government reportedly reminded airlines that such a grand event happens once in 140 years, and they must be mindful of the significance.

At the same time, the government has ensured that airlines do not suffer financial losses due to the fare reduction.

The Maha Kumbh Mela this year is seeing an assembly of a whopping 400 million over a span of six weeks.

The announcement comes after a major pre-dawn stampede incident resulted in the death of 30 devotees and injured 60 others on Wednesday.

Thousands of pilgrims had assembled to take a dip in the sacred water on an occasion of Mauni Amavasya (new moon) considered to be holy by Hindus, police said.