Imphal, December 2, 2025: Leishangthem Susindro Meitei, popularly known as Yaima and MLA of Khurai Assembly Constituency, has expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for improving air connectivity to Manipur while urging the Centre to take further measures to make air travel more affordable for passengers travelling to and from the state.
In a letter addressed to Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the legislator thanked the Ministry for its prompt response to his earlier representation dated November 3, 2025, in which he had sought enhanced flight connectivity between Imphal and major regional hubs to address the increasing demand for air travel in the Northeast.
Susindro Meitei appreciated the Ministry's decision to introduce an additional Imphal–Guwahati–Delhi flight scheduled to depart at 5:25 pm (17:25 IST). He also welcomed the increase in aircraft capacity on the route from 180 seats to 232 seats, describing the move as a timely initiative that would significantly improve connectivity for passengers travelling between Manipur and other parts of the country.
The MLA noted that enhanced flight services would ease travel for students pursuing higher education outside the state, patients requiring specialised medical treatment, business travellers, government officials, and tourists visiting the region. He said the additional flight and increased seating capacity would help reduce travel constraints, particularly during peak seasons when demand for air tickets remains exceptionally high.
"This step will greatly benefit the people of Manipur by reducing travel constraints, especially during peak academic, medical, and tourism seasons," Susindro Meitei stated in his letter, while extending his appreciation to the Ministry on behalf of the people of his constituency and the state.
While welcoming the improved connectivity, the MLA also highlighted the persistent issue of high airfare on the Imphal–Guwahati sector. He urged the Ministry to consider measures to regulate and rationalise ticket prices so that air travel remains affordable for ordinary citizens.
He recommended that airfare on the Imphal–Guwahati route should preferably remain below ₹7,000 during normal travel periods, arguing that stable and affordable fares would encourage greater passenger movement, facilitate business and tourism, and reduce the financial burden on students, patients, and families.
Susindro Meitei further observed that affordable regional connectivity is vital for the socio-economic development of the Northeastern states. He said reasonable airfare would strengthen integration between the Northeast and the rest of the country while supporting economic growth, investment, and tourism.
The legislator also noted that rationalised fares would complement the objectives of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme, which aims to make air travel accessible and affordable while improving connectivity to underserved regions.
Concluding his letter, Susindro Meitei thanked the Ministry of Civil Aviation for its continued attention to the needs of the Northeastern region and expressed hope that additional measures would be taken to further strengthen civil aviation infrastructure, improve flight connectivity, and ensure affordable air travel for the people of Manipur and neighbouring states.
