Scindia flags off first direct flight on Shillong-Dibrugarh route

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday virtually flagged off the first direct flight on the Shillong - Dibrugarh route under the Regional Connectivity Scheme - Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (RCS-UDAN). Speaking on the occasion, Scindia said, Shillong is one of the highest and wettest places in the world and the place is important not only for the country but for the entire world. He said in 2014, only six airports were operational in North East which has now risen to 15 airports. He added that the Centre is further committed to enhancing the inter-state and intra-state connectivity of North-East.
Apart from promoting flight connectivity, the government's focus is on developing the infrastructure capabilities along with helicopter services for the last mile delivery. To ensure that it has recently launched the Helicopter Policy to further promote Heli Services in North-East. Due to the non-availability of any direct mode of transportation, people were compelled to cover a long 12-hour journey by road and train to travel between Shillong and Dibrugarh.Now, natives can easily fly between the two cities by opting for a flight of just 75 mins. Indigo was awarded the Shillong - Dibrugarh route during the UDAN-4 bidding process.
The airlines are being provided Viability Gap Funding under the UDAN scheme to keep the fares affordable and accessible for the common people. The airline will deploy its 78-seater ATR-72 aircraft on the route.