Silchar MP Raises Demand for Direct Delhi Flight to Bridge Connectivity Gap
The Silchar MP demand direct flight made serious waves in Parliament. MP Parimal Suklabaidya took a firm stand, raising the matter of urgent public interest—launching a direct flight between Silchar and New Delhi. The demand, though long pending, finally received national attention as the Barak Valley’s chronic air connectivity issues continue to hamper economic, social, medical, and academic access for over 40 lakh residents.
Connectivity Woes of Barak Valley
Barak Valley, nestled in the southern belt of Assam, encompasses the districts of Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi. Despite its size, population, and contributions to the state’s economy, the region remains one of the most neglected in terms of air, rail, and road connectivity. Silchar, the second largest city in Assam, is considered the Valley’s urban and administrative capital. Yet, the absence of a direct air route to the national capital reveals deep infrastructural and logistical gaps.
Residents frequently travel for higher education, medical emergencies, employment, and administrative purposes, many of which require travel to Delhi. The lack of a direct flight has made it difficult for families to handle emergencies efficiently. MP Suklabaidya passionately presented these issues before the Lok Sabha, urging the government to approve a direct flight as part of the UDAN scheme.
Highlighting the Daily Struggles
Currently, travelers from Silchar to Delhi have to either take a connecting flight via Guwahati or Kolkata or endure a long, multi-day rail journey. This not only makes travel expensive but also time-consuming and logistically challenging. Students, job seekers, patients, and business owners are disproportionately affected. Families have shared stories of how crucial appointments in Delhi hospitals were missed or delayed due to lack of timely air travel options.
During monsoons, these difficulties worsen. Road blockades due to landslides on NH-6 and NH-27, or disruptions on the Lumding–Silchar rail line, often cut off the Valley from the rest of Assam. In such scenarios, direct flights to Delhi or other metros become critical lifelines.
Monopoly and Unregulated Fare Hikes
Adding to the plight is the surge in airfare prices for short-haul flights. With limited flights operating from Silchar and monopoly-like conditions, one-way fares to Guwahati or Kolkata often cross ₹15,000, far higher than fares from Guwahati to Delhi. This inconsistency in pricing has sparked massive outrage in the region.
Citizens have launched online petitions and social media campaigns demanding intervention. A local advocate even submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Civil Aviation Ministry requesting regulation. Civil society groups have threatened to file a PIL in the Gauhati High Court if fare exploitation is not addressed.
Political Support Across Party Lines
Though the issue was raised by BJP MP Parimal Suklabaidya, it has found support from legislators across party lines. Congress MLA Kanad Purkayastha and AIUDF leaders have echoed the same demand. Even non-political organizations such as the Barak Democratic Front and All Cachar Karimganj Hailakandi Students’ Association have pressed for immediate air connectivity improvements.
The unified political voice has given the demand legitimacy and urgency. The region hopes that this momentum translates into swift policy action under the UDAN scheme, which aims to make air travel affordable and widespread across India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
UDAN Scheme and Missed Opportunities
The Silchar MP demand direct flight falls well within the objectives of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme. Yet, despite its potential, Silchar has not benefitted adequately from UDAN’s various rounds. While other remote cities like Pasighat, Tezpur, and Rupsi were granted routes, Silchar remains left out.
Experts argue this oversight stems from bureaucratic apathy and lack of political lobbying. Suklabaidya’s recent speech attempts to break that deadlock by pushing the Ministry to fast-track proposal evaluation, fund allocation, and airline tie-ups for a direct Silchar–Delhi route.
Economic and Social Benefits
Improved air connectivity could transform the Barak Valley. Here’s how:
- Education: Students could easily travel to and from Delhi’s top institutions like DU, JNU, and AIIMS.
- Healthcare: Patients would have faster access to specialized treatment in Delhi hospitals.
- Trade: Entrepreneurs could transport goods swiftly, opening new markets.
- Tourism: Religious and eco-tourism from Barak Valley could gain traction with better flight options.
Greenfield Airport: Long-Term Promise, Short-Term Crisis
The foundation stone for a new Greenfield Airport at Doloo Tea Estate near Silchar is expected to be laid in December 2025. While this has raised hopes for future connectivity, MPs and citizens alike argue that immediate solutions must not be delayed for long-term dreams. The greenfield project, expected to be operational only by 2027 or 2028, is no substitute for an immediate Silchar–Delhi connection.
Airlines’ Perspective and Challenges
Sources within the aviation industry cite cost concerns, aircraft availability, and low passenger traffic as constraints for launching a direct flight. However, experts say that these arguments don’t hold, especially given the high population density and demonstrated demand. Local surveys indicate that over 1,000 passengers travel from Silchar to Delhi daily through indirect routes.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has been urged to extend financial viability gap funding and tax breaks to airlines under UDAN if needed. Airlines like Indigo and Akasa have shown early-stage interest, contingent on governmental support.
Public Sentiment at Boiling Point
Local newspapers and online forums are full of public grievances. Hashtags like #SilcharDeservesDirectFlight and #ConnectBarak are trending on regional social media platforms. Student groups have organized protests and signature campaigns.
One campaign managed to collect over 25,000 signatures within 72 hours. A delegation of business leaders is planning to meet the Union Civil Aviation Minister to present a white paper outlining the necessity, economic case, and logistical feasibility of the route.
Strategic Relevance of Air Connectivity
Silchar is located close to international borders with Bangladesh and serves as a gateway to Mizoram and Manipur. Enhanced connectivity could bolster regional security and disaster management capacity. During emergencies like earthquakes, floods, or insurgency events, air mobility becomes a vital asset for evacuation and relief operations.
The Way Forward: Policy Recommendations
- Immediate approval of Silchar–Delhi under UDAN Round 5
- Subsidies and guarantees for airline operators to launch the route
- Development of air cargo infrastructure to handle commercial traffic
- Fare regulation to prevent pricing exploitation on short-haul routes
- Public-private partnerships to maintain route sustainability
A Fight for Equality in the Skies
Parimal Suklabaidya’s demand is more than a political speech. It’s a clarion call for fairness and inclusion. The Silchar MP demand direct flight stands as a reflection of the people’s right to equal mobility, opportunities, and services. With mounting public support and cross-party backing, the central government must act before this issue turns into a flashpoint.
For the Barak Valley, it’s not just about a flight to Delhi—it’s about being seen, heard, and connected.
Learn more from the official report at Times of India.
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