-GUWAHATI
The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has cleared an international air connectivity scheme recently, which will connect Guwahati airport with seven countries, to provide northeast India a big leap in connectivity.
Under this scheme, flights will be operated from Guwahati to connect Singapore, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Malaysia and Vietnam directly. The government will provide viability gap funding of operations of Rs 100 crore for three years.
Additional chief secretary to industries and commerce department of Assam, Ravi Capoor said that “Airport Authority of India (AAI) on behalf of the Ministry of civil aviation and government of Assam, has invited bids for selection of airlines under the International air connectivity scheme (IACS) Udan.”
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the new generation wants a new wave of change, which catapults development and employment generation in the northeast. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the northeast is heading towards a new era of development. The new-generation entrepreneurs can fuel a business mentality, which has set in motion an industrial development in the region,” he said.
Additionally, Capoor said in another significant development, Bangladesh’s Cabinet has approved the draft of a proposed agreement with India. The pact will allow India to use Chittagong and Mongla seaports for transporting goods to and from its northeastern states.
