Criticizes Rising Fares and Service Gaps
Punjab Newsline, New Delhi, December 4-
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha today criticized the government's proposed Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak-2024, while discussing the Indian Aviation Bill 2024 in Parliament. He raised important issues related to air travel and emphasized the need to make air travel more accessible and affordable for the common people.
He emphasized the importance of a robust transportation system for the nation's progress, stating, "When the speed of travel increases, the nation moves forward."
Chadha pointed out that increased airfares have made travel unaffordable for the common man.
He cited examples like ticket prices on common routes like Delhi to Mumbai and Patna have soared to Rs. 10,000–Rs. 14,500. He also cited the example of the Maldives, saying that while the government is promoting Lakshadweep instead of the Maldives, the airfare to the Maldives is Rs. 17,000, whereas the fare to Lakshadweep is Rs. 25,000. He remarked, "The country's progress will accelerate only when air travel becomes faster and more affordable."
"The government promised that even people wearing slippers would fly, but today, even those wearing Bata shoes cannot afford air travel," he remarked.