Tripura Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury announced in the Assembly on Thursday that he will write to the Civil Aviation Ministry to request a cap on airfares for the Kolkata-Agartala route.
The move comes in response to concerns raised by Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman, who highlighted the high cost of air tickets, which he said is causing significant difficulties for travelers. Roy Barman pointed out that fares currently range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 and are expected to increase further with the approaching festival season. He urged the government to take action with central authorities to address this issue.
“Unlike other products, air tickets in India do not have a maximum retail price (MRP). Private airlines are charging Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 for a ticket between Agartala and Kolkata, and with the festive season approaching, prices are likely to rise even more, affecting ordinary people. I urge the government to address this matter seriously with the Centre,” Roy Barman said.
In response, Chowdhury acknowledged the issue but noted that the Civil Aviation Ministry does not have direct control over airline pricing. Nonetheless, he committed to addressing the concern by writing to the Ministry.
Regarding the MBB Airport, Chowdhury said efforts are underway to have it designated as an international airport. On the status of the Kailashahar airport in Unakoti district, he mentioned that a Civil Aviation Ministry team had visited the site and that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is preparing a Detailed Project Report for the currently inactive airport.