Governor seeks Modi’s help to tackle surge in airfares

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 3

Governor Satya Pal Malik today sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention to tackle the issue of exorbitant airfares facing the Valley during the winter months.

“I want to bring to your (Modi’s) notice that during winters, airlines charge as much as Rs 28,000 for a ticket. For this amount, one can buy a return ticket to Dubai. I request you to take up the issue with them (airlines) so that the airfares are reduced,” Malik said while addressing a gathering at the SKICC on the Dal Lake banks here in the presence of Modi.

The Governor made the comments in the wake of the rising airfares that hit the Srinagar-New Delhi circuit during the winter months when the Srinagar-Jammu national highway shuts or during the peak tourist season.

“How will the tourists come? How will development take place....this is not going to help the economy,” he added.

Malik said students too were facing problems due to the high airfares while urging Modi to address the issue on his return to New Delhi.

Lauding people for the peaceful conduct of the panchayat and urban local bodies polls last year, Malik said each sarpanch would be allotted funds to the tune of Rs 70 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore for development activities. He also thanked the Prime Minister for allotting sufficient funds to the state.