The State government is planning to launch non-stop direct flight services from Umroi airport to five cities in the country.
According to official sources, the proposed flight services will connect Umroi airport with Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai.
It was also learnt that a tender has been floated by the Transport Department inviting proposals from eligible bidders for selection of an airline operator to provide flight services for the sector Delhi – Shillong – Delhi; Mumbai – Shillong – Mumbai; Hyderabad – Shillong – Hyderabad; Bengaluru – Shillong – Bengaluru; Chennai – Shillong – Chennai.
The last date for submission of technical and financial bids is April 24. The technical bids will be opened on April 26 while the date for opening of financial bids will be announced later.
The ticket prices for the proposed flights shall be capped at the specified rates.
As per the limit, the one way price for Delhi – Shillong – Delhi flight is Rs 6500, one way price for Mumbai – Shillong – Mumbai flight is Rs 6500, one way price for Hyderabad – Shillong – Hyderabad flight is Rs 7000, one way price for Bengaluru – Shillong – Bengaluru flight is Rs 8000, one way price for Chennai – Shillong – Chennai flight is Rs 7500 and one way price for Bhopal – Shillong – Bhopal flight is Rs 8000.
Similarly, the State government is also planning to launch passenger helicopter services in Meghalaya and adjoining areas under the subsidy scheme for ‘Helicopter service in North East Region’ of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
The Transport Department has already invited technical and financial bids for the helicopter service with April 15 as the last date for submission of the two bids. The selected company will sign a contract for running of the helicopter service for four years.
The helicopter service will carry passengers to different places in the State and outside the State. The helicopter will be utilised for passenger transportation, cargo, VIP/VVIP and other emergencies throughout the State and adjoining areas.
It was also specified that the helicopter should have excellent performance and be technically fit for flights at high altitudes, capable of landing and take-off in narrow valleys and at altitudes up to 10,000 feet, as well as equipped to fly in cloudy weather with passengers and baggage.
The security of the helicopter at helipads/airfield and check of passengers’ baggage and cargo shall be carried out as per the guidelines issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). This will be arranged by the State government at all locations where helicopter services are intended to be availed.
