Imphal, February 16: Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh on Monday urged Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu to include the Imphal–Guwahati–Imphal route under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN.
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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 Minister, Singh highlighted the challenges faced by citizens due to limited travel options and high airfares on the Imphal–Guwahati sector. He noted that ticket prices on this route remain significantly higher compared to similar routes in other Northeastern states with comparable distances.
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]The Chief Minister pointed out that alternative transport options in Manipur are severely constrained, citing frequent disruptions in surface transport and the current non-operational railway services in the state.
“Air connectivity for the people of Manipur is not just a convenience but an essential requirement,” Singh stated. He further informed that the state government has reduced the Value Added Tax (VAT) on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) from 20 per cent to 1 per cent in an effort to enhance air connectivity and promote tourism.
Seeking the Union Minister’s personal intervention, Singh requested the inclusion of the Imphal–Guwahati–Imphal route under the RCS-UDAN scheme to ease transportation difficulties and support the socio-economic development of the region.
The move, if approved, is expected to make air travel more affordable and accessible for the people of Manipur while strengthening regional connectivity in the Northeast.
