Mugdha Das

Early morning and night flights between Guwahati-Silchar may soon be possible

Digital desk: The convenience of early morning and night flights between Guwahati and Silchar may soon be possible, as the government considers introducing such services between the cities. Kaushik Rai, Minister of Barak Valley Development, hinted at this possibility during the 124th Annual General Meeting of the Indian Tea Association's Surma Valley Branch, which was recently held in Silchar.

"The road network connecting Barak Valley and Guwahati is subject to seasonal disturbances, particularly during the monsoon. However, the administration is determined to address these issues. Along with strengthening road infrastructure, we acknowledge the need for improved air connectivity. Currently, only one afternoon flight operates between Silchar and Guwahati, but soon, we hope to see flights during the night and early morning hours as well," Minister Rai stated.

Currently, only one 180-seater flight operates daily between Silchar and Guwahati, arriving at 1:45 pm and departing at 2:15 pm, on the winter schedule until March 26. While night landings were added in 2009, the airport's watch hours for civilian flights were initially extended to 6 p.m.

Recognizing the need for improved connectivity, the Ministry of Defence extended watch hours to 8 p.m. in 2017, a measure that is still in effect.

In a positive step, the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved an additional Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) deployment at Silchar Airport to facilitate night operations. However, logistical issues in accommodating the increased personnel have caused delays in implementation.

Aside from air connectivity, Minister Rai told the people that the much-anticipated Silchar-Saurashtra East-West Corridor is moving forward and is projected to be finished by January 2026.