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Manipur CM Launches New SpiceJet Flights, Demands Lower Airfares

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh flagged off new direct SpiceJet flight services from Imphal to Guwahati, Kolkata, and Mumbai. He emphasized that air travel is now the preferred mode for outbound travel and directed the airline to ensure affordable fares. The state government has repeatedly urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to intervene, citing exorbitant fares charged by airlines like IndiGo and Air India Express. Officials highlighted that fares are five to six times higher than in other northeastern states and key routes have been discontinued, seeking their revival under the UDAN scheme.

Key Points: Manipur CM Flags Off SpiceJet Flights, Seeks Affordable Fares

  • New SpiceJet flights from Imphal
  • CM demands affordable airfares
  • Fares 5-6 times higher than other NE states
  • State urges Civil Aviation Ministry intervention
  • Routes sought under UDAN scheme
2 min read

Manipur CM flags off new SpiceJet flights, seeks affordable airfares

Manipur CM Y. Khemchand Singh launches SpiceJet flights from Imphal, urges airlines to review and reduce exorbitant airfares for better connectivity.

"directed the airline to review airfares to ensure affordability - Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh"

Imphal, Feb 10

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat, saying it plays a pivotal role in realising the goal of Viksit Manipur.

In a significant move to improve air connectivity in the state, the Chief Minister flagged off the commencement of SpiceJet's direct flight services from Imphal to Guwahati, Kolkata and Mumbai at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport here.

He said that in the prevailing situation, air travel has emerged as the preferred mode of transportation for people travelling outside the state and directed the airline to review airfares to ensure affordability.

As part of the launch event, the Chief Minister handed over the boarding pass to the first passenger of the SpiceJet flight to Guwahati.

The programme was attended by Congress Lok Sabha member Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, MLAs Tongbram Robindro Singh and Khashim Vashum, Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) Anurag Bajpai, and other state government and Airports Authority of India officials, and representatives of SpiceJet.

Meanwhile, the Manipur government has on several occasions urged the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to intervene to reduce steep airfares on Imphal-connected routes and to introduce additional flights.

Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai held a series of meetings with the MoCA Secretary and senior officials, highlighting the civil aviation challenges faced by the people of Manipur.

Bajpai pointed out that exorbitant airfares charged by airlines such as IndiGo, Air India Express and Alliance Air were causing severe hardship, with ticket prices reportedly five to six times higher than those in other northeastern states.

He also informed that government guidelines on airfare capping were not being followed in the Imphal sector and that the number of aircraft operating on these routes had been reduced since October.

He further said that Alliance Air had discontinued services on crucial routes, including Imphal-Silchar, Imphal-Aizawl and Imphal-Dibrugarh, and urged the MoCA to facilitate their immediate revival.

The state government also requested that these routes be considered again under the RCS-UDAN scheme in view of strong public demand.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some action on this! The fares to and from Imphal have been a loot for years. My family is from Manipur and I work in Delhi. I have to pay nearly a month's salary sometimes just for a visit. Airlines must be held accountable. Good to see the state government taking it up with the Centre.
A
Anurag Bajpai
While new flights are good, the real issue is the discontinuation of crucial regional routes like Imphal-Silchar. For many, these are lifelines, not luxury. The UDAN scheme needs to be implemented properly here, not just on paper. Connectivity within the Northeast is as important as to metros.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see cross-party attendance at the event. Development should ideally be beyond politics. Hope the pressure on the Civil Aviation Ministry works. The data about fares being 5-6 times higher is shocking and clearly indicates a market failure that needs regulatory intervention.
K
Karthik V
Direct flight to Mumbai is a game-changer! 🎉 So many students and professionals from Manipur will benefit. But yes, affordability is key. SpiceJet starting services is good, but we need more competition on these routes to bring prices down. IndiGo and Air India can't have a monopoly.
M
Meera T
As a respectful criticism, flagging off flights is just a photo-op if the underlying issues aren't fixed. The article says fare capping guidelines are being ignored. Why is there no enforcement? The MoCA needs to act, not just hold meetings. Viksit Bharat should mean accessible travel for all citizens.

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