Tripura Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury wrote new Union Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on withdrawal of flights in several routes connecting Agartala with other places resulting severe hike in air-ticket prices. He urged Naidu to resume the services in routes connecting Agartala with other places immediately.
In a letter written to the Aviation Minister on Thursday, Sushanta Chowdhury wrote, “Recently withdrawal of IndiGo flights on routes like Kolkata – Agartala – Lengpui (Aizawl, Mizoram), Kolkata-Agartala-Shillong, and Kolkata-Agartala includes flights IG7305, 1G7954, IG7144, and flight 6E-6519 from Agartala to Kolkata has led to exorbitant Airfare in the sector.
These flights are crucial for connecting Kolkata, Agartala, and Shillong, providing essential services. Their discontinuation inviting huge public criticism. This impacts on sectors like tourism, healthcare, emergency services, education, and the overall economy of the regions involved.
Therefore, these services may kindly be immediately resumed or services in those routes may be arranged to start through other suitable air operators.”
Chowdhury, in his letter to Naidu, extended his warmest congratulations on getting portfolio as the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India. “It is indeed a matter of great pride and privilege for all in the transport sector to see your leadership at the helm of such a crucial Ministry,” Chowdhury wrote.
Exuding optimism, the Transport Minister of Tripura also wrote, “I look forward to collaborate closely with your esteemed office to further strengthen the infrastructure and services related to civil aviation in our state”.
Apart from raising the plight of the people of the State owing to withdrawal of flights in some routes resulting exuberant increase in air-ticket fare, Chowdhury also pointed out several other issues relating to air connectivity in Tripura.
Chowdhury urged Naidu to “declaring MBB Airport as International Airport & Operation of International Flights from MBB Airport as Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India has already declared the Agartala airport as Customs Check post”. The Tripura Minister also requested an Extension / development and operationalization of existing Kailashahar Airport.
Sushanta Chowdhury further wrote, “Your vast experience and dedication to public service have been well recognized and it is obvious that under your able guidance, the civil aviation sector will achieve new heights of excellence and efficiency.
Your vision for enhancing connectivity and ensuring the highest standards of safety and service in civil aviation is commendable, and it resonates deeply with our own goals here in Tripura.
Once again, congratulations on your well-deserved appointment. I am confident that your tenure will bring about positive transformations in the civil aviation sector, benefiting our nation as a whole”.