Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has urged Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu to include the Imphal–Guwahati–Imphal route under the Centre’s Regional Connectivity Scheme, RCS-UDAN, saying affordable and reliable air services are essential for the state. In a formal letter, the CM highlighted that recurrent disruptions in surface transport and the absence of fully operational rail links make air travel a necessity for many residents.
Khemchand said airfare on the Imphal–Guwahati sector is “significantly higher” than on comparable short-haul routes in other northeastern states, placing a heavy burden on travellers. He acknowledged the role of airlines and thanked the Centre for ongoing support in maintaining essential connectivity, while pressing for UDAN inclusion to ease travel costs for people of Manipur.
“For the people of Manipur, air connectivity is not merely a convenience but an essential requirement,” Khemchand wrote, stressing that cheaper fares would improve access to services, business and tourism. The CM also pointed to measures taken by the state government to strengthen the aviation ecosystem, noting that Manipur has reduced value-added tax on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) from 20% to 1% to encourage more flights and boost tourism.
In his appeal, Khemchand asked that the Imphal–Guwahati–Imphal sector be brought under RCS-UDAN, the Centre’s scheme designed to make air travel affordable and to expand regional air links across India.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/unfair-airfare-cm-seeks-udan-for-imphal-guwahati-route-to-ease-trip/articleshow/128476324.cms
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Publish Date: 2026-02-17 23:49:00
