Skyrocketing Airfares Weigh Heavily on Residents in Conflict-Affected Manipur: Biren Singh
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Synopsis
Manipur's Chief Minister N. Biren Singh highlighted the difficulties faced by residents due to the ongoing ethnic crisis, which has restricted highway travel. He noted that high airfares have become a significant financial strain for many, and urged for better flight connectivity and pricing investigations.
Key Takeaways
- The ethnic crisis in Manipur limits highway travel.
- High airfares are a financial burden for the populace.
- Initiatives for new flights aim to improve connectivity.
- Subsidized air ticket rates will be available twice a week.
- New flights are expected to boost trade and tourism.
Imphal, Jan 15 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, emphasized that the ongoing ethnic turmoil has hindered the population's ability to utilize highways for travel outside the state, with the elevated airfares posing a substantial burden.
While inaugurating new flight services from Alliance Air at the Imphal International Airport, the Chief Minister remarked that Manipur is experiencing challenging times, making it difficult for residents to access highways for external travel.
“Millions of individuals from the state rely on air travel, and the soaring air ticket prices have heavily impacted the average citizen,” he stated.
During the event, which was attended virtually by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu from Delhi, Singh requested the formation of a committee to investigate air ticket pricing.
He also advocated for an increase in the frequency of flights that directly connect Imphal with key cities like Kolkata, New Delhi, and Bengaluru.
Commending the CEO of Alliance Air for initiating such measures during this tough period, the Chief Minister announced the launch of additional flight services on three routes: Imphal-Guwahati-Imphal, Imphal-Kolkata-Imphal, and Imphal-Dimapur-Imphal, under a viability gap funding scheme.
Singh expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Civil Aviation Minister for facilitating the extra flight services in Manipur.
Union Minister Naidu remarked that these new flights would enhance the state's connectivity with the rest of the nation. He noted that the new routes would promote trade, travel, and tourism, as well as create employment opportunities, thereby boosting the economy and empowering the residents.
During the ceremony, Transport Minister Khashim Vashum highlighted that the initiation of these new routes would better connect the populace, generating new opportunities for tourists and stimulating economic activities in the state. Officials mentioned that air tickets on these new routes would be available at subsidized rates bi-weekly.
