Imphal-Silchar flight service to begin November 24

IMPHAL — The much-awaited flight service on the Imphal-Silchar-Imphal route is scheduled to commence on November 24, providing an additional air connectivity option for the landlocked state of Manipur.

The service, to be operated by Alliance Air under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme, will operate twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday, officials said on Sunday.

Confirming the development, Imphal Airport, in a Facebook post, announced that the flight services would commence from November 24.

It described the initiative as a positive step towards strengthening regional air connectivity and facilitating passenger movement between Imphal and Silchar.

The air link is expected to be particularly beneficial for residents of Jiribam district, whose headquarters is located around 220 km west of Imphal and is geographically closer to Silchar.

In a statement, the state Transport department said the initiative would provide an additional and convenient travel option for the people of Manipur, strengthen connectivity with the Barak Valley region, and improve access to trade, commerce, education, healthcare and other essential services.

Meanwhile, the Manipur government has recently resumed helicopter services to ease transportation difficulties faced by people in remote and hill areas of the state. The services had remained suspended since October 1.

A Cabinet meeting held on October 22 approved the engagement of Pawan Hans Limited, a Government of India undertaking, to restore the helicopter services.

The resumed service will reconnect remote and hill districts, including Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Senapati, with Imphal, facilitating passenger movement and access to medical emergencies.

According to the state government, the expenditure will be shared with the Ministry of Home Affairs under its North East helicopter scheme.

In the absence of central assistance, the state government will bear the expenses to ensure continuity of the services.