Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh virtually launched the helicopter service for passengers between Imphal and Ukhrul, and vice versa, on Monday in a vital step towards air connectivity for the first time in the history of Ukhrul district.
The trial run for the helicopter service from Imphal to Ukhrul, a Tangkhul Naga-inhabited district, was conducted on Sunday. The launching program held at the CM’s Secretariat was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Leishamba Sanajaoba, Transport Minister Khashim Vashum, Hill Areas Committee Chairman Dinganglung Gangmei, other ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi, and several top-ranking state officials.
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N Biren Singh also opened district transport offices in Jiribam, Kakching, Noney, Pherzawl, and Kamjong.
Taking to X, CM N Biren Singh said, “Pleased to launch the Imphal-Ukhrul-Imphal route, Manipur Heli Service in the presence of Hon’ble Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, and other officials at my Secretariat office today.” “The air route connectivity between Imphal and Ukhrul will serve as a convenient means of travel and transportation while boosting commercial activities between the two districts, and it will further help in strengthening developmental work in various sectors,” he added.
It may be noted that Manipur Heli Service was launched in 2018 under the subsidy scheme (75:25) of the Ministry of Home Affairs and successfully operated the service from Imphal to Tamenglong, Jiribam, and the border town Moreh in Tengnoupal district.
In 2023, under the same scheme, new air routes were announced from Imphal to Churachandpur, Imphal to Aizawl via Churachandpur, Imphal to Lairouching, and Imphal to Dimapur via Lairouching.
In the last five years (2018-2023), the helicopter services have served around 31,163 passengers from various districts and enhanced services on emergency relief, rescue operations, and medical emergency evacuations, informed the Chief Minister.
The Union Home Minister has announced a subsidized rate of Rs 2000 per person from Imphal-Churachandpur-Imphal, Imphal-Moreh-Imphal, and Imphal-Lairouching-Imphal. With the launching of the new heli route connecting Imphal with Ukhrul district, it will further lead to faster, easier, and more affordable air traveling for the people of the district as well as those of the general populace of the state, it said.
The fare for the air service from Imphal to Ukhrul and vice versa will be Rs 2500.
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