Agartala, June 2: Tripura Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury has strongly urged the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation to introduce direct flight services between Agartala and Mumbai, highlighting the growing need for improved air connectivity between the northeastern state and India’s financial capital.
In a letter addressed to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Chowdhury reiterated his earlier request and stressed that Tripura’s strategic location in the Northeast makes enhanced connectivity with major metropolitan cities essential for its socio-economic development.
The minister pointed out that Mumbai serves as a key destination for trade, healthcare, higher education, tourism, business and employment opportunities. Thousands of residents from Tripura travel regularly to the city for various purposes, making direct air connectivity a long-standing public demand.
At present, passengers travelling from Agartala to Mumbai are compelled to rely on connecting flights, often involving long transit hours and increased travel expenses. This, Chowdhury noted, causes considerable inconvenience to students, patients seeking medical treatment, businesspersons, government officials and tourists.
Emphasising the broader benefits of improved connectivity, the minister said that a direct Agartala–Mumbai flight would significantly reduce travel time, facilitate smoother movement of people and goods, and strengthen economic ties between Tripura and western India. He added that enhanced connectivity would also promote tourism, attract investment and contribute to regional integration.
Chowdhury urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to either introduce a dedicated direct flight service or ensure seamless connectivity through improved scheduling under existing aviation policies.
His appeal comes amid growing demands from several northeastern states for stronger air links with major Indian cities as part of efforts to boost economic activity and improve accessibility.
Local stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that the Centre will respond positively and take concrete steps to address the long-standing connectivity gap, thereby helping Tripura emerge as a more accessible and economically vibrant state.
