Tripura Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said on Wednesday that the Civil Aviation Ministry has found “no abnormality” in the air ticket prices on the Agartala-Kolkata route.

Chowdhury had previously written to Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, raising concerns about the high ticket prices on the busy route and urging a cap on airfare. However, ministry officials responded that the pricing is determined by airlines based on demand and ticket availability, and there was no irregularity. “The ministry has no role in fixing fares. The airline companies decide the ticket price,” Chowdhury told reporters.

According to the minister, the airfares listed on online platforms are “well within the price bucket.” Several airline companies have ceased operations, leaving only a few dominating the domestic aviation sector, which may contribute to pricing trends.

Online platforms showed airfares for the Agartala-Kolkata route ranging from Rs 3,400 to Rs 4,000 for September and October.

Chowdhury, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, highlighted that International Tourism Day will be celebrated in the state on September 27. Chief Minister Manik Saha will inaugurate the event, themed ‘Tourism and Peace,’ with a cultural program featuring renowned West Bengal singer Srikant Acharjee.

He further noted that while tourist inflow from Bangladesh has declined due to political unrest, overall tourism has surged since former Indian cricket captain Saurav Ganguly became the brand ambassador for Tripura’s tourism sector. Chowdhury expressed optimism that the situation with Bangladeshi tourists would improve in the future.

(With agency inputs)