Amid Air India suspension, Assam CM promises enhanced flight connectivity to Silchar

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently held a significant meeting with Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, focusing on expanding air connectivity and enhancing aviation infrastructure in the Northeast region. The discussions centered on strategic initiatives to improve air travel accessibility and capacity across Assam and neighboring areas, highlighting the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable aviation development.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the announcement regarding the likely commencement of construction work on a greenfield airport in Silchar within the current year. This project responds to a longstanding demand aimed at addressing the limited air connectivity in southern Assam. The establishment of a new airport in Silchar is expected to significantly improve air travel options for the region, facilitating easier and faster movement of people and goods, thereby boosting economic growth and regional integration.

Furthermore, the Union Civil Aviation Minister assured the Chief Minister that Rupsi Airport, located in western Assam, will undergo expansion. This upgrade is designed to increase the airport’s capacity and enhance its role as a strategic hub for air travel in the region. The expansion of Rupsi Airport complements the broader plan to develop the Northeast’s aviation infrastructure, helping connect the region more effectively with the rest of the country.

In addition to infrastructure development, CM Sarma revealed plans to introduce new flight routes connecting major cities like Jorhat, Dibrugarh, and Silchar to more destinations within India. These new routes are expected to improve intra-national connectivity, making travel to and from Assam’s key urban centers more accessible and convenient. Such improvements are poised to facilitate business travel, tourism, and cultural exchange, contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the region.

The Chief Minister also underscored the importance of strengthening the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, a government initiative aimed at enhancing regional connectivity by making air travel affordable and accessible to the common citizen. He emphasized the need to make the scheme more effective, vibrant, and sustainable in the Northeast, enabling first-time flyers from remote and underserved areas to access air travel through improved infrastructure and services. This aligns with Assam’s broader vision of inclusive development that benefits all sections of society.

This high-level meeting took place against the backdrop of Air India’s suspension of operations in Silchar, which has raised significant concerns about connectivity in the region. The temporary halt in Air India flights has caused anxiety among residents, business communities, and patients who rely heavily on air travel, especially during monsoon seasons when road and rail connectivity can be severely disrupted.

Adding to the discourse, Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev has expressed strong opposition to Air India’s decision. In a letter to Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, she highlighted the airline’s nearly 70 years of uninterrupted service in Assam’s Barak Valley and cautioned that suspending flights would adversely affect over 40 lakh residents across Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi districts. She particularly emphasized the impact on medical patients and business travelers who depend on reliable air services for urgent and routine needs.

Dev argued that air connectivity is often the region’s only lifeline during the monsoon season when other modes of transport are frequently inaccessible. She further pointed out that the suspension of Air India’s operations contradicts the Central Government’s plans for developing a Greenfield Airport in Cachar and undermines the objectives of the UDAN scheme aimed at boosting regional connectivity.

In summary, the discussions between Assam’s Chief Minister and the Union Civil Aviation Minister reflect a proactive approach to addressing the Northeast’s aviation challenges through infrastructure development, new flight routes, and policy support. The focus on inclusive growth via the UDAN scheme and ongoing dialogue amid Air India’s operational suspension signal a commitment to ensuring a more connected and accessible future for Assam and the entire region. The active engagement of political leaders and stakeholders highlights the urgency and importance of maintaining and expanding vital air connectivity to support economic and social well-being in Northeast India.