Imphal, Manipur, January 15 (HBTV): Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday launched Alliance Air flight services for the Imphal-Guwahati-Imphal, Imphal-Kolkata-Imphal, and Imphal-Dimapur-Imphal routes, under the Viability Gap Funding scheme.

The launch event took place in the conference hall of Imphal International Airport, with Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, joining via video conferencing.

Speaking at the event, N Biren Singh mentioned that Manipur had been facing significant challenges, with people unable to travel via highways due to the ongoing crisis. He noted that air travel was becoming the primary option for many, but the high cost of air tickets was burdening the common people of the state.

The Chief Minister urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to form a team to assess air ticket pricing and also requested more frequent flights directly connecting Imphal to major cities like Kolkata, New Delhi, and Bangalore. He expressed his gratitude to the CEO of Alliance Air for initiating the service during these challenging times.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu emphasized that the new flight services would improve connectivity and bring Manipur closer to the rest of the country. He stated that the new routes would boost trade, tourism, employment, and the economy of the state while empowering its people.

Transport Minister Khashim Vashum also addressed the gathering, stating that the introduction of new routes would enhance connectivity and create new opportunities for travelers to visit the state. He added that this initiative would also promote economic growth within Manipur.

It was mentioned that air tickets on the new routes will be offered at a subsidized rate twice a week.