Nagaland Chief Minister writes to Jet Airways
Kohima, MAY 17 (MExN): The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio has urged the Chairman of Jet Airways India Ltd to continue operation of Jet Connect services to Dimapur. In a letter dated May 16, the Chief Minister informed the Chairman of Jet Airways India Ltd, Naresh Goel of the importance of reliable air connectivity in Nagaland. In view of reports that Jet Konnect would discontinue its services in Dimapur from June 1, the CM has urged upon the airlines to ensure that service continues “at any cost.”
It may be noted that the CM in a letter dated April 24, 2013 had suggested changes to the operations of the airline in Dimapur. The letter suggested that a daily Boeing service from Delhi to Dimapur and back be considered. It stated that the present S-2 4623 flight from Delhi to Kolkata (leaving Delhi at 0950 hrs) can be continued into Dimpaur, without passengers from Nagaland having to disembark in Kolkata to wait for the next Jet Konnect flight.
In the April 24, 2013 letter, the CM has stated that passengers coming to Dimapur from the eastern and southern regions “can take any morning flight to Kolkata and then board this flight to Dimapur at Kolkata without any difficulty.” It said that the return flight from Dimapur would also become two and a half hours earlier than the present timing, which would enable passengers from Dimapur to reach all major cities in the east and the south by availing flights from Kolkata on the same day. It further informed that this would enable passengers to reach all major cities in the north by catching flights from Delhi on the same day. The CM stated that if these changes are initiated, the airline “would gain the trust and confidence of the people and could become the main carrier of Nagaland air passengers.”
However, in the recent letter dated May 16, the CM states that even if the proposed changes are not feasible at the moment; the airlines should “at any cost” continue its service in the present format. While acknowledging the “several challenges” in operation of the airlines, the CM has urged upon the Chairman to not discontinue service. The CM stated that he has instructed the Chief Secretary of Nagaland to meet the Chairman of the airline “personally” and discuss all connected issues, including “assistance/supporting role that the state government may be able to provide.”
