Ukhrul: Chief Minister N Biren Singh inaugurated additional flight services by Alliance Air under the Viability Gap Funding scheme. The new routes include Imphal-Guwahati-Imphal, Imphal-Kolkata-Imphal, and Imphal-Dimapur-Imphal. The launch event was held at the conference hall of Imphal International Airport, with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu participating via video conferencing.
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During his address, Chief Minister Biren Singh expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu for introducing the new services. Highlighting the ongoing crisis in Manipur, he noted that restricted highway access has compelled lakhs of residents to rely on air travel, with high ticket prices posing challenges for common citizens. He urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to review air ticket pricing and requested more direct flights from Imphal to cities like Kolkata, New Delhi, and Bangalore. The Chief Minister also lauded the efforts of Alliance Air’s CEO for this timely initiative.
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu stated that these flights would strengthen Manipur’s connection with the rest of India, fostering trade, tourism, and economic growth. He emphasized that improved connectivity would create jobs, empower the state’s population, and boost its economy.
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Transport Minister Khashim Vashum highlighted the potential of the new routes to enhance accessibility and create new opportunities for travelers while stimulating economic activities in Manipur.
Subsidized airfares on these new routes will be available twice a week.
The inaugural event was attended by Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai, CAF&PD Minister Leishangthem Susindro Meitei, Education Minister Basantakumar Singh, Moirang MLA Thongam Shanti Singh, Wangoi MLA Khuraijam Loken Singh, Kakching MLA Mayanglambam Rameshwar Singh, and Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, among others.
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