Cong leader blames BJP for soaring airfare
|
IMPHAL, Nov 3: Airfare for flights from Imphal to Guwahati has now shot up to Rs 15,000, three times higher than what was promised. This is nothing but a "deception" to the people who trusted the BJP Government's words, MLA K Meghachandra has said.
"On 15 January 2025, former Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced that the airfare between Imphal and Guwahati would be capped at Rs 5,000 under the State's Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme, assuring the people that subsidised fares would be available twice a week to ease travel difficulties during Manipur's ongoing crisis. However, what we are witnessing today is a complete betrayal of that promise," Meghachandra said.
Notably, the UDAN-RCS provides incentives like Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and tax concessions to keep fares low. Under the scheme, Imphal Airport Director has meanwhile informed that the Alliance Air operates ATR 72 aircraft on this route twice a week--on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
"The BJP's double engine Government claims to deliver progress, the truth is clear–it has only delivered pain, false assurances, and economic burden to the people of Manipur. The very scheme that was supposed to help the common man has failed, and no explanation has been given for this massive price hike," Meghachandra said.
The Congress Party strongly condemns this anti-people approach. The Government must immediately restore the promised fare cap, ensure transparent airfare regulation, and protect the rights of citizens who depend on air travel in the absence of safe road connectivity. The people of Manipur deserve honesty and accountability, not publicity stunts and broken promises, he added.
"On 15 January 2025, former Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced that the airfare between Imphal and Guwahati would be capped at Rs 5,000 under the State's Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme, assuring the people that subsidised fares would be available twice a week to ease travel difficulties during Manipur's ongoing crisis. However, what we are witnessing today is a complete betrayal of that promise," Meghachandra said.
Notably, the UDAN-RCS provides incentives like Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and tax concessions to keep fares low. Under the scheme, Imphal Airport Director has meanwhile informed that the Alliance Air operates ATR 72 aircraft on this route twice a week--on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
"The BJP's double engine Government claims to deliver progress, the truth is clear–it has only delivered pain, false assurances, and economic burden to the people of Manipur. The very scheme that was supposed to help the common man has failed, and no explanation has been given for this massive price hike," Meghachandra said.
The Congress Party strongly condemns this anti-people approach. The Government must immediately restore the promised fare cap, ensure transparent airfare regulation, and protect the rights of citizens who depend on air travel in the absence of safe road connectivity. The people of Manipur deserve honesty and accountability, not publicity stunts and broken promises, he added.