Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh pushes for UDAN coverage on key route

Guwahati: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has written to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, urging the Centre to include the Imphal–Guwahati–Imphal sector under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN.

He cited the limited travel options and transportation challenges faced by the ethnic violence ravaged state.

The Chief Minister stated that airfares on the Imphal–Guwahati route remain significantly higher compared to similar routes in other northeastern states covering comparable distances. The high cost of air travel has placed an additional burden on citizens who rely heavily on-air connectivity.


Singh stated, “surface transport in Manipur is frequently disrupted and railway services remain non-operational. “Air connectivity for the people of Manipur is not just a convenience but an essential requirement.”

The Chief Minister stated that the state had reduced the Value Added Tax (VAT) on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) from 20 per cent to 1 per cent in a bid to improve air connectivity and promote tourism.

Singh requested that the Imphal–Guwahati route be brought under the RCS-UDAN scheme to mitigate transportation difficulties and support the state’s socio-economic development.

Ever since the violence broke out Kuki and Meitei have not visited each other’s areas. Kuki reside in hills while Meiteis reside in valleys.