Tripura opposition leader seeks Scindia's intervention over exorbitant airfares

Tripura's opposition leader urges Aviation Minister to control rising airfare between Kolkata and Agartala, which is currently around Rs 17,000. The high cost hinders access to healthcare and other services for low-income groups, especially those seeking treatment in Kolkata. The withdrawal of two flights by IndiGo has exacerbated the situation. The leader requests the minister's intervention to make air travel affordable.

Tripura's opposition leader Jitendra Chaudhury wrote to Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, urging him to take immediate steps to control the steep rise in airfare.

Chaudhury, who is also the state secretary of CPI(M), said the airfare between Kolkata and Agartala has reached an ''unprecedented high'' of Rs 17,000.

''This is particularly distressing given that many of our citizens rely on the more advanced healthcare facilities available in Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and New Delhi. The prohibitive cost of air travel is a significant obstacle for them, effectively denying access to essential health service,'' he wrote in the letter on Thursday.

''A reduction in airfare will not only alleviate financial stress but also potentially save lives by facilitating access to critical healthcare and other passengers of low-income groups,'' he added.

Chaudhury sought Scindia's immediate intervention in the matter and urged him to take steps to make air travel affordable for the people.

Low-cost carrier IndiGo withdrew two flights on the Agartala-Kolkata route in April, leading to a steep hike in the prices of tickets, an official of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said.

The two flights are likely to be re-introduced in August, he said.