Imphal, February 16: Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh has urged Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu to include the Imphal–Guwahati–Imphal air route under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN, citing the urgent need to improve affordable air travel and strengthen connectivity for the people of the state.
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| Manipur CM urges inclusion of Imphal–Guwahati route under UDAN to improve affordable air connectivity in the state. (Rep. Image) |
In a letter addressed to the Union Civil Aviation Minister on Monday, the Chief Minister highlighted the difficulties faced by residents due to limited flight options and comparatively high airfares on the Imphal–Guwahati sector. He stated that despite being one of the most important air links for Manipur, ticket prices on the route remain significantly higher than fares on similar routes connecting other Northeastern states with comparable distances.
Khemchand noted that affordable and reliable air connectivity is crucial for Manipur, particularly given the state's geographical location and limited alternative transport infrastructure. He pointed out that many residents depend on the Imphal–Guwahati route for education, healthcare, business, employment, and official travel, making affordable airfare an important public concern.
In his letter, the Chief Minister explained that the lack of viable transportation alternatives has further increased the dependence on air services. He observed that surface transport is often affected by disruptions, while railway connectivity to the state is yet to become operational, leaving air travel as the most dependable mode of transportation for many people.
"Air connectivity for the people of Manipur is not just a convenience but an essential requirement," the Chief Minister stated, emphasising that improved connectivity would significantly benefit the state's residents as well as contribute to its overall socio-economic development.
Khemchand also informed the Union Minister that the Manipur Government has already undertaken policy measures to encourage airlines and improve connectivity. As part of these efforts, the state has reduced the Value Added Tax (VAT) on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) from 20 per cent to just 1 per cent. The tax reduction was introduced with the objective of lowering airline operating costs, encouraging more flight services, promoting tourism, and making air travel more affordable.
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The Chief Minister expressed hope that including the Imphal–Guwahati–Imphal route under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme would help reduce airfare, increase flight frequency, and provide greater travel convenience to passengers. He noted that the Regional Connectivity Scheme has played a significant role in improving air connectivity across underserved regions of the country and said Manipur would greatly benefit from similar support.
Seeking the Union Minister's personal intervention, Khemchand requested early consideration of the proposal, stating that improved air connectivity would not only ease transportation challenges but also strengthen tourism, trade, investment, education, healthcare access, and regional integration across the Northeast.
If approved, the inclusion of the Imphal–Guwahati route under the UDAN scheme is expected to make air travel more affordable and accessible for residents, while supporting the state's long-term economic growth and improving connectivity with the rest of the country.
