Flying to Southeast Asia from Guwahati is likely to be cheaper soon as Assam Government has made a proposal to subsidize airfares.
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, has requested a subsidy programme between Guwahati and Southeast Asia to the Centre. Not only this, the Chief Minister has also offered to cover the subsidy bill to the extent of Rs 100 crore annually for three years.
If Guwahati becomes an international travel hub from higher economic activity between the state capital and Southeast Asia, the state would greatly benefit from it.
Although the finer details of the programme are still being worked out, they are likely to be along the lines of PM Modi’s regional connectivity scheme, UDAN. The purpose of UDAN is to make flying affordable to common man. The scheme is likely to be restricted to local airlines but open to both Indian and foreign nationals.
Assam Chief Minister is keen to develop air services in the state, which could act as a gateway for international tourists especially from Southeast Asia, to the Northeast as well as the rest of India. Assam has approached the Centre to work out the scheme as the state doesn’t have the expertise to chalk out routes. Experts are of the opinion that such a scheme has the potential to transform the region.
Source: The Economic Times