Silchar, August 20: Kanad Purkayastha, the Rajya Sabha MP representing Assam, has reached out to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, urging immediate action to improve air connectivity and manage soaring airfares at Silchar Airport (IXS), which serves as the main aviation hub for southern Assam and adjacent states like Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur.

In his correspondence with the minister, Purkayastha advocated for the initiation of night landing operations, emphasizing that the necessary infrastructure is already available at Silchar Airport.

He stated, “The introduction of night landing facilities would motivate airlines to increase their flight offerings. However, the absence of such operations currently limits scheduling options and overall flight capacity at the airport.”

Reiterating his previous requests for additional flights to and from Silchar, Purkayastha highlighted the airport's inadequate connectivity, which is becoming increasingly problematic given the rising number of passengers and its growing strategic significance.

He noted that insufficient air links significantly hinder the movement of students, patients, professionals, and business people, particularly during the monsoon season when road and rail transport can be unreliable due to challenging terrain.

Addressing the issue of high airfares, the MP pointed out that ticket prices, especially during festive seasons or when rail services are disrupted by floods and landslides, have become prohibitively expensive for many residents.

He also called on the central government to include Silchar in the UDAN scheme and to adjust fares on the Silchar–Guwahati route, which is crucial for the region's connectivity.

Purkayastha warned that without prompt action, the air travel challenges in the northeast would continue to hinder growth, mobility, and access, particularly during emergencies and peak travel times.

Last month, MP Parimal Suklabaidya also raised this matter in the Lok Sabha, urging Naidu to swiftly implement a direct flight from Silchar to Delhi, describing it as a "necessity, not a luxury."

On a positive note, IndiGo Airlines has announced plans to launch a new morning flight from New Delhi to Silchar via Guwahati, scheduled to commence on September 20 this year.