Lucknow, Oct. 17 -- In the annual pre-Diwali scramble to reach home, those trying to travel from major metros like Delhi and Mumbai to Lucknow are in quite a spot. Airlines have quickly capi- talised on the demand surge, hiking fares by as much as 500-700%. As of now, a one-way flight from Delhi to Lucknow for October 18-a key travel date before the Diwali weekend-is being priced as high as Rs 18,000, up from the usual Rs.3,000. From Mumbai, fares are even steeper, nearing Rs 24,000. Industry insiders warn that prices could climb another 15-20% in the coming week. Saturday, October 18 is expected to be the peak travel day, as it precedes Chhoti Diwali (Oct 19) and Diwali (Oct 20). Thousands of students and working professionals are expected to return home that weekend, further intensifying demand across trains, flights, and even intercity buses. htc...