A public grievance concerning unaffordable airfares on routes connecting Imphal has resulted in official action by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The issue was first raised by Asem Roshan Singh in a representation submitted to the President of India on 29 November 2025, highlighting the severe impact of prolonged inaccessibility of National Highways NH-2 and NH-37.
The representation noted that due to the disruption of surface connectivity, air travel had become the only functional mode of transportation for residents of Manipur, essential for accessing healthcare, education, examinations, sports participation, and emergency travel. It also drew attention to persistently high fares on short-haul lifeline routes, even with advance bookings.
The grievance, registered under Reference No. PRSEC/E/2025/0066829, was initially transferred on 4 December 2025 to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for examination. The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Regional Office, Imphal, responded formally, acknowledging the continued inaccessibility of NH-2 and NH-37 and the resulting humanitarian and practical difficulties. The NHIDCL clarified, however, that it had no authority over airfare regulation, pricing, flight frequency, or subsidised travel, which fall under the statutory domain of civil aviation authorities.
Following the response, which did not provide immediate relief on airfares, a renewed representation was submitted on 20 December 2025, urging intervention by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. This representation was registered under Reference No. PRSEC/E/2025/0071981.
According to official records from the Rashtrapati Bhavan Helpline, the grievance was disposed of on 28 January 2026, with the Ministry of Civil Aviation capping airfares on Imphal-connected routes. The administrative action is the outcome of a process initiated to address transport disruption in the state and the resulting dependence on air travel for essential mobility.
The intervention is expected to provide immediate financial relief to passengers and ensure more accessible travel options amid ongoing challenges in surface transport connectivity in Manipur.