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 route under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN to further mitigate transportation difficulties encountered by the people of the State and enhance the state’s socio-economic development. In an official letter dated February 16, the Chief Minister highlighted that airfares on the Imphal–Guwahati route remain significantly higher compared to similar routes in other northeastern states covering comparable distances. He noted that the high cost of air travel has placed an additional burden on citizens who rely heavily on-air connectivity. Pointing out the limited alternative travel options, Singh stated that 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,” he stressed in the letter.
The Chief Minister also informed the Union Minister that the state government has 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. Seeking the Union Minister’s personal intervention, 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. If approved, inclusion under UDAN is expected to make air travel more affordable and enhance regional connectivity for Manipur.
Meanwhile, a team of the Alumni Association of Aligarh Muslim University, Manipur Chapter comprising its President Shri Mohammad Bariyajuddin Shah, Former (Founder) President Shri Md. Riyajuddin Shah, Advisor Shri Mohd. Mustafa, and Dr. Mohammad Sidiqur Rahman called on Chief Minister Khemchand.
“Held a detailed and constructive discussion regarding the establishment of an Admission Test Centre of Aligarh Muslim University in Manipur. It was apprised that the Admission Test Centre for Class XI (Science, Arts, Commerce) and Diploma Engineering courses has already been approved for the state. The delegation also emphasized the need to extend this facility to Undergraduate courses such as BA, B.Sc, and B.Com, which would greatly benefit aspiring students of Manipur,” the Chief Minister said in a social media post.
The Chief Minister assured the delegation that he will take up the matter formally by writing to the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, to facilitate the opening of Undergraduate Admission Test Centers in Manipur, thereby expanding access to quality higher education opportunities for the youth. Office bearers and members of the Mayai Lambi Apunba Lup (MALAL) also called on the Chief Minister at his residence, who conveyed their appreciation and gratitude for the strengthening of the pavement along NH-137A (Mayai Lambi). Khemchand thanked them for their constructive engagement and valuable suggestions and assured the delegation that their requests regarding widening of the road in market areas and improvement of the drainage system are under serious consideration, and appropriate action will be taken in due course to enhance public convenience and infrastructure in the region.
