IMPHAL: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has agreed to take urgent steps to restore flight connectivity and curb soaring airfares from Imphal, following an appeal from Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. The decision came after Governor Bhalla wrote to Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on October 30, flagging the severe hardships faced by the public due to the steep decline in flight operations between Imphal, Guwahati, and Kolkata.

He urged the Centre to act swiftly to improve connectivity, stressing that air travel serves as a crucial lifeline for Manipur given its limited road and rail infrastructure. In his letter, Bhalla highlighted that the number of daily flights between Imphal and Guwahati had been reduced from five to two, while the Imphal–Kolkata route had also seen a drop from five flights to two.

This sharp reduction, he noted, has left passengers with fewer options and drastically higher fares, compounding the difficulties for students, patients, and residents dependent on air transport amid unreliable road conditions and recurring floods.

Following the Governor’s intervention, BJP MLA L. Susindro Meitei met the Civil Aviation Secretary in New Delhi to raise the issue of excessive ticket prices and reduced flight frequency. Sources said that after the meeting, the Ministry assured that two new flights will be introduced shortly one each on the Imphal–Guwahati and Imphal–Kolkata sectors.

Officials further indicated that the government is actively considering a cap on airfares at around Rs.7,000 to ensure affordability for regular travellers.Raj Bhavan, in a social media post, confirmed that Governor Bhalla is “closely monitoring the issue to ensure timely and effective action in the interest of the people of Manipur.” The development comes amid continuing restrictions on movement along the national highways connecting the Imphal Valley with other parts of the state.

Residents, particularly from the Meitei community, continue to face hurdles in road travel despite the Union Home Minister’s earlier directive for “free movement” of people and goods. Officials said the restoration of additional flights is expected to bring much-needed relief to the state’s travellers and help stabilise airfare levels, which have surged sharply over the past few months.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally