Assam Govt signs MoU for development of Air connectivity

The MoU was signed by the Chairman of Airports Authority of India Guruprasad Mohapatro and Commissioner and Secretary, Assam government, Ashutosh Agnihotri in presence of Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju at a function held at the conference hall of Assam Secretariat on Friday evening.

It may be mentioned that the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Government of India released the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 (NCAP 2016), with the objectives to enhance regional connectivity through fiscal support and infrastructure development and establish an integrated eco-system conducive to the growth of civil aviation sector.

The policy also aimed at promotion of tourism, boost employment and a resultant balanced regional growth in North East.

Accordingly, MoCA has envisaged a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) for the country and same was inaugurated today.

Under the RCS, the Central Government shall provide 90% share of VGF (Viability Gap Funding) to Assam. In addition, Central Government shall provide concessions on Service Tax on tickets.

As per the MoU, the State Government shall reduce VAT to 1% or less on ATF at RCS Airports and for RCS flights from other airports located within the state.

Assam government shall also provide minimum land, if required, free of cost for development and expansion of RCS Airports and also provide multi-modal hinterland connectivity (road, rail, metro, waterways etc.) as required. Security and fire services shall be provided free of cost at RCS Airports and electricity, water, other utility services shall be provided at substantially concessional rates.

Airports Authority of India (AAI) shall be the Implementing Agency for the scheme on behalf of Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.

In the signing in ceremony, the Assam CM submitted a memorandum to the Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju.

Appreciating the RCS for its tremendous potential to give fillip to tourism, trade and industry sectors in the State Sonowal, requested the Union Government to improve infrastructure, passenger amenities and to make LGBI Airport a truly world class  airport, with a futuristic vision.

The Assam CM emphasized that Guwahati will be the nerve centre in Indo- South East Asia Cooperation and hence Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport’s development is critical for geopolitical and economic considerations.

Sonowal also proposed development of under-served Salanibari (Tezpur), Lilabari (Lakhimpur), Rowriah (Jorhat) airports under the Regional Connectivity Scheme.

The pressing needs to increase the frequency of flights for routes such as Guwahati- Aizwal, Guwahati-Imphal, Guwahati-Dimapur etc. was also highlighted by the Assam CM.

In the memorandum, Sonowal justified the expansion of RCS to cover the flights to Kunming, Yangon, Mandalaya and Dhaka to provide a major boost to the Act East Vision of the Prime Minister.

With the taking off the RCS, people from outside the North East will be able to view the potentiality, possibility and prosperity of North East from even the skies which were so far not being showcased adequately.

The Assam CM also requested for starting international flights from Dibrugarh to Bangkok and Singapore.

Moreover, revival of Rupsi Airport, commencement of Silchar-Delhi route, development of Ledo airport in Margherita, Jorhat-Delhi route, etc. are some of the much needed demands of the state which were included in the memorandum submitted by the Assam CM.

It may again be noted, that in order to fill in the gaps in air connectivity to un-served areas, the State Government shall provide free land for the development of heliports in Diphu and Haflong and the State Government shall also bear the state share of the VGF as applicable for NE States.

Sonowal emphasised that with continued support and assistance from the Central Government, Assam will transform into a major aviation hub in the days to come, ultimately helping in realizing the vision of a vibrant and prosperous Assam.

Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Civil Aviation, Government of India in his address in the signing in ceremony appreciated the works done under the leadership of Sarbananda Sonowal and assured all possible help and assistance for development of the aviation sector in the State and implementation of the demands contained in the MoU.

Minister for Transport, Industries and Commerce, Chandra Mohan Patowary, while speaking on the occasion said that RCS once implemented in letter and spirit will transform Assam into a hub of trade and commerce.

Moreover, it will also project Guwahati as an epicentre for international business with the South East Asian Nations.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)