Dibrugarh: The first direct flight on Shillong-Dibrugarh route was inaugurated today under the prestigious Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) of the Government of India.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiradtiya Scindia inaugurated the first direct flight between Shillong and Dibrugarh on Tuesday.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Scindia said, “Shillong is a place of great culture, tradition, beauty, tradition and tranquility. It is not only important for North-East India but India as a whole. Shillong has always been known as Scotland of East and attracts tourists from around the world. The government is committed to enhancing inter-state and intra-state connectivity in the North East. We want to bring tourists from all over India to the North-East.”
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Conrad Sangma, Chief Minister, Meghalaya, Prestone Tynsong, Deputy Chief Minister, Meghalaya, Vincent H Pala, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Shillong, Meghalaya, Dr Wanweiroy Kharlukhi, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Shillong, Meghalaya, Dasakhiatbha Lamare, Minister, Transport Department, Public Works Department (Buildings), Meghalaya, Sanbor Shullai, MLA were present at the launch event of the flight.
Highlighting the prospects of the new flight as well as the progress of air travel facilities in the region, Scindia further added, “In 2014, only 6 airports were operational in North East which has now risen to 15 airports in 2021. In July this year, there were only 1,341 passengers at the Shillong Airport, which increased to over 5,000 in September. I assure everyone that it is only the beginning. The government is committed to providing flight infrastructure, airport infrastructure and even helicopter services in the North-East.”
Indigo airlines were awarded the Shillong – Dibrugarh route during the UDAN-4 bidding process. The airline will deploy its 78-seater ATR 72 aircraft.
The airlines are being provided Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under the UDAN scheme to keep the fares affordable and accessible for the common people.
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