Coldplay Concert: Travel and Accommodation Costs Skyrocket, Fans Scramble for Alternatives

Excitement is brewing as British rock band Coldplay is set to light up Ahmedabad with back-to-back concerts on January 25 and 26, 2024. However, as fans gear up for the much-anticipated event, many are facing a harsh reality: skyrocketing travel and accommodation costs are making the trip unaffordable for many.

Fans Struggle with Exorbitant Travel Costs

For fans outside Gujarat, the journey to Ahmedabad is proving to be a costly affair. Shubham Srivastava, a Mumbai-based investment banker, shared his struggles. “Flights from Mumbai and Hyderabad are exorbitantly priced. Trains are fully booked. We had to book an overnight bus from Mumbai, and our friends from Hyderabad are flying to Mumbai first before joining us,” he said.

Travel costs for the concert days have surged significantly:

• Mumbai to Ahmedabad: ₹20,080 (round trip)
• Hyderabad to Ahmedabad: ₹39,898
• Delhi to Ahmedabad: ₹19,500
• Bengaluru to Ahmedabad: ₹36,622
• Chennai to Ahmedabad: ₹26,500
• Kolkata to Ahmedabad: ₹28,940

These prices are at least three times the regular rates when booked a month in advance. Meanwhile, train services like Vande Bharat, Shatabdi, and Rajdhani Express are witnessing massive waiting lists, with no availability in higher classes and long queues for sleeper categories.

A senior railway official confirmed the trend, saying, “The waiting list for premium trains from Mumbai and Delhi is already over 140 and 240, respectively, and it’s only expected to grow.”

Accommodation Prices Surge to New Heights

The concert has also triggered a dramatic increase in accommodation costs in Ahmedabad. Budget hotels, usually priced at ₹2,000 per night, are now charging ₹15,000. Five-star hotels are quoting prices as high as ₹55,000 per night for base-category rooms. Even homestays have seen prices soar to ₹10,000 per night.

Ankit Bajaj, a travel operator in Ahmedabad, highlighted the frustration among travelers. “Many regular business travelers are shocked by the sudden price surge. Even those not attending the concert are facing these exorbitant rates, forcing some to reconsider their plans entirely,” he said.

Fans Resort to Quick Turnaround Trips

To avoid the high accommodation costs, many fans are planning quick turnaround trips. Srivastava and his group, for example, will attend the concert and catch a train departing at 3 AM on January 26. “Staying overnight in Ahmedabad is simply unaffordable. We decided to leave immediately after the concert,” he explained.

This sentiment is echoed by others who are trying to cut costs wherever possible. From sharing rides to booking last-minute buses, fans are exploring creative ways to attend the concert without breaking the bank.

A Call for Regulation

The unregulated surge in prices has raised concerns among fans and locals alike. Bajaj emphasized the need for intervention. “There should be some regulation to prevent businesses from overcharging during such events. It’s not just concertgoers who are affected—other travelers and locals are also bearing the brunt of these inflated costs,” he said.

Coldplay’s Magic: Worth the Struggle?

Despite these challenges, the allure of witnessing Coldplay live is keeping fans determined. Known for their electrifying performances and soul-stirring music, the band promises an unforgettable experience. Fans are willing to endure long journeys, sleepless nights, and logistical hurdles to be part of this historic event.

For some, the concert is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “It’s Coldplay. You don’t think twice about attending their concert,” said a Bengaluru-based fan.

Final Thoughts

The Coldplay concert in Ahmedabad is shaping up to be a grand spectacle, but the soaring travel and accommodation costs are creating significant hurdles for fans. With prices showing no signs of coming down, attendees are left with limited options: splurge, sacrifice, or strategize.

As the concert date nears, one thing is certain—fans’ love for Coldplay will drive them to find a way, no matter the obstacles. Whether it’s an overnight bus, a last-minute ride-share, or a lightning-fast trip, the magic of Coldplay’s music will make it all worthwhile.