Agartala : Tripura Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury has urged the Centre to introduce direct flight services between Agartala and Mumbai, citing the growing demand for improved air connectivity between the northeastern state and India’s commercial capital.

In a letter addressed to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Chowdhury reiterated an earlier request and stressed the importance of establishing a direct air link to facilitate faster and more convenient travel.

The minister noted that Tripura’s strategic location in the Northeast and its increasing engagement with major economic centres make enhanced connectivity a necessity. He highlighted Mumbai’s significance as a major destination for trade, healthcare, higher education, tourism and employment opportunities, attracting a large number of travellers from the state.

According to Chowdhury, passengers travelling between Agartala and Mumbai currently depend on connecting flights, often involving lengthy layovers and extended travel times. The existing arrangement, he said, causes considerable inconvenience, particularly for students, patients seeking specialised medical treatment, businesspersons and government officials.

He emphasized that the introduction of a direct flight service would substantially improve regional connectivity, reduce travel time and support Tripura’s socio-economic development by strengthening links with one of the country’s most important commercial hubs.

As an alternative, the minister suggested that the Civil Aviation Ministry consider ensuring smoother connectivity through better-coordinated flight schedules if a direct service cannot be introduced immediately under the existing aviation policy framework.

The demand comes amid continued efforts by northeastern states to secure stronger air links with major Indian cities, with improved connectivity being viewed as a key driver of tourism, trade, investment and overall economic growth in the region.