Imphal: The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Sh. Rammohan Naidu, and Manipur Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, today inaugurated three new flight routes operated by Alliance Air, further boosting regional connectivity. The new routes include Imphal-Kolkata, Imphal-Guwahati, and an additional flight on the Imphal-Dimapur sector, with return services available on all routes.
The flights, launched under a joint initiative by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Manipur State Government, are supported by Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to ensure affordability and sustainability.
In his address, Union Minister Rammohan Naidu expressed gratitude to Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and reaffirmed the Central Government’s commitment to developing the North East. Highlighting the mantra of “Act East, Act Fast, Act First,” he said, “The new flights will improve connectivity, boost investment, and ease business operations in the state. This initiative will strengthen Manipur’s 3 Ts—Trade, Travel, and Tourism—delivering 3 Es: Economy, Employment, and Empowerment to its youth.”
The Minister also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on inclusive growth under the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme and the Act East policy for transforming the region’s connectivity. He announced that a Master Plan 2047 is underway for airports in the North East, including Imphal Airport, to further enhance infrastructure and services.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh thanked the Union Government and Alliance Air for introducing the new flights, emphasizing their importance in connecting Manipur to key cities like Kolkata and Guwahati. “These flights, with multiple timing options, will greatly improve travel convenience for the people of Manipur,” he noted. The Chief Minister pledged the state’s full support for upcoming air connectivity projects and highlighted the economic and social benefits of the initiative.
Since the launch of the UDAN scheme, the North East has witnessed significant advancements in aviation infrastructure. The region now boasts 10 operational airports, 2 heliports, and 90 Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) routes, including 12 helicopter routes.
The flag-off ceremony at Imphal Airport saw the virtual participation of Union Minister Naidu, while Chief Minister Biren Singh and State Transport Minister Sh. Khashim Vashum were present on-site. Other dignitaries included Alliance Air CEO Rambabu, AIESL CEO Sh. Sharad Agarwal, senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and representatives from the Manipur State Government.
The addition of these new routes is expected to foster trade, tourism, and employment opportunities, making Manipur a pivotal hub in the North East. With enhanced air connectivity, the state is poised to attract investments, boost local businesses, and improve access to the rest of the country, marking a significant step forward in its development journey.