Highway siege diluting UDAN success tale
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: October 22, 2024 -

HAD there been no communal violence in the state, as is the case at present, launch of the UDAN or Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik scheme would have definitely helped Manipur enhance its profile as one of the tourism destinations, and accelerate development of the tourism sector, already bestowed with scenic landscape and still blessed with pleasant climatic conditions regardless of the global warming phenomenon also affecting the region.

After sharp decline in insurgency-related incidents at the fag end of the 15 years of Congress government and people enjoying one of the most peaceful days in entire first term of the N Biren government and first year of the second term, Manipur had the privilege to play host to the much-envied Femina Miss India Pageant, the prestigious Durand Cup football tournament, multiple business-promotional discourses, etc., all signifying that socio-political tranquillity is a must to bring development in diverse sector.

In the aviation sector too, from barely two-three flight services daily about a decade back, there has been notable increase in the number of flight service providers bringing in passengers from across the country and beyond, not to mention about state's students and denizens in need of emergency medical attention in major cities having convenient access to the air travel mode; in case one could afford the cost of flying.

As stated by an official of the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), the Indian aviation landscape has indeed undergone a significant transformation under the UDAN scheme, as is evident from gradual expansion of the Imphal airport to facilitate smooth service.

As per the ministry official, the number of operational airports in the country doubled from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024 with the government eyeing to increase the number by a whopping 350-400 by 2047.

The ministry also stated that domestic air passengers have more than doubled in the past decade, with Indian airlines significantly expanding their fleets.

However, as most of the flights are operated by private service providers, substantial number of the fliers from a resource-starved state like Manipur face financial issues.

Recounting that the first UDAN flight took off on April 27, 2017, connecting the serene hills of Shimla to Delhi, the official elaborated that UDAN operates on a market-driven mo'del, where airlines assess demand on specific routes and submit proposals during bidding rounds.

Among others, the initiative by the MoCA has enhanced air connectivity from the earlier un-served and underserved airports across India, making air travel affordable for the masses.

"As it celebrates its seventh anniversary, U DAN stands as a testament to the commitment of the Indian government to improve infrastructure and connectivity, especially in remote regions," the ministry official noted, adding that regional carriers such as Flybig, Star Air, IndiaOne Air, and Fly have benefited from the scheme, developing sustainable business models and contributing to a burgeoning ecosystem for regional air travel.

That the scheme would be sustained could be gauged from Indian carriers placing orders for over 1000 aircraft, which are slated for delivery in the next 10-15 years and would eventually augment the existing fleet of approximately 800 planes.

There might be increase in the number of state's denizens taking the aerial route to reach their destinations, but the ground reality is that not all the fliers have enough bank balance with substantial number of passengers having to borrow money from relatives or private lenders at varied interest rates in order to attend job interview, timely medical treatment, participate in sports competition, etc.

Post outbreak of the violence, non-professional sportspersons are among the worst affected section of the society.

As such, to ensure that the violence-affected people do not interpret glorification of the UDAN by the ministry as rubbing salt to wounds, it is hoped that the ministry of road transport and highways would accord importance to securing the two national highways in Manipur, which are technically under siege by the Kuki militants, by effectively removing/dismantling the unauthorised check gates.