(a) whether the Government propose to provide air-connectivity to more towns in the North Eastern Region;
(b) if so, the name of the towns to which air-connectivity is proposed to be provided during 2003, 2004 and 2005 alongwith the details of the flights to be introduced in this regard;
(c) whether Haj flights are proposed to be provided from Guwahati and other towns in the region; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION( SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK )
(a)and (b): At present, Indian Airlines/Alliance Air are operating to Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Lilabari, Silchar, Tezpur, Imphal, Aizwal, Shillong, Dimapur and Tripura in the North Eastern Region. Jet Airways is operating to Jorhat, Guwahati and Imphal. Sahara Airlines is operating to Dibrugarh and Guwahati. Government has laid down Route Dispersal Guidelines with a view to achieve better regulation of air transport services taking into account the need for air transport services in different regions of the country including North-East Region. It is, however, up to the airlines to provide air services to specific places depending upon the traffic demand and commercial viability subject to compliance of Route Dispersal Guidelines issued by the Government of India.
(c) : No, sir.
(d) : Does not arise.