When will Imphal airport become international airport? This question was raised to the Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh. There was no straight reply. Too many facilities had been added was the reply given by the Minister. But he was reminded of the need for having one international airport at the border state like Manipur, which is neighbouring with the prosperous south East Asian nations that in a way will increase spiritual tourism. The people living in these prosperous nations most of them following Budhism have expressed their desire to visit Gaya, the birth place of Budha. If Imphal airport is upgraded to international status the journey to the neighbouring countries on the eastern side will be very short. By spending as low as Rs 13,000 (to and fro) one will be able to visit Bangkok and other places of interest. Our demand for up gradation of the Imphal airport is supported by the ground work done at the Imphal airport. We have land, which has been acquired after eviction of original settlers. There will be passengers also. As the price of ticket for the flight originating from Manipur will be low passengers from neighbouring states like Nagaland and Mizoram will also come for catching international flight. Too many people from Nagaland come to Manipur for catching a flight from Imphal to Delhi because there is no direct flight from Dimapur to Delhi. A scribe from Mizoram demanded at the economic editors’ conference held in Delhi a direct flight between Delhi and Aizawl, but it was rejected on the ground that there will be no passengers for such flight. Manipur is a wonderful land it has too many passengers for boarding the flight from Imphal to Delhi. Instead of rotting on the national highway, which is not properly maintained citizens opt for flight even for visiting to Vrindavan for offering pujah. In the past students used to go by bus and train now they insist on travelling by flight. Will the addition of rail services change the concept of travelling? Railways Board chairman declared that the construction of rail way tract Jiri to Imphal via Tupul would be completed by 2016. Did he make the declaration after seeing the progress of the work or without seeing it is not known? Imphal or Tupul getting connected by rail within 2016 however will be impossible. Because the progress of the work is tardy. If the construction is done in war footing a change may be seen in the near future. Until that happens the change may not take place at all. It all will depend on how our Government take up the issue with the union Government. Railway ministry, which is busy constructing railway tract in Kashmir need to be told again and again that Manipur requires extension of railway service up to Imphal as it will go a long way in bringing down the prices of essential commodities. Cement is available in Bihar at the rate of Rs 180 per bag here it is sold at Rs 400. The prices of cement and other construction materials will also come down when we have train services. The question will continue to be asked when Manipur will get all these facilities.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/too-many-questions-and-elusive-answer/
