A downward push on prices of air tickets is likely on routes between non-metro destinations with the civil aviation ministry setting in motion the ball to subsidise the cost of air travel for the common man at about Rs 2,500 per flying hour under its newly conceived regional connectivity scheme (RCS). A study of air fares on non-metro routes done by The Indian Express shows incentivising airlines to fly to unconnected destinations will not only drastically cut travel time but also help bridge the fare gap with railways thereby catalysing the masses to avail of air travel options. Sharat Dhall, president at travel portal yatra.com, said, “Rs 2,500 is a reasonable price point. There would be a lot of passenger willing to pay an additional Rs 1,200-1,300 over average second AC train fares to avail of the convenience of an one hour flight. There will be lots of people willing to upgrade from other modes of transport. This move will help catalyse growth in the air passengers market.”
A study of air fares available between non-metros on travel portal makemytrip show that a one-way flight ticket between Guwahati and Dibrugarh in Assam costs Rs 4,228. A second AC rail ticket on the same route on Brahmputra Mail is way cheaper at Rs 1,230. But while the aerial distance of 353 km is covered in 55 minutes, the rail distance of 564 km incurs travel time of approximately 14 hours.
04/11/15 Sharmistha Mukherjee/Indian Express
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A study of air fares available between non-metros on travel portal makemytrip show that a one-way flight ticket between Guwahati and Dibrugarh in Assam costs Rs 4,228. A second AC rail ticket on the same route on Brahmputra Mail is way cheaper at Rs 1,230. But while the aerial distance of 353 km is covered in 55 minutes, the rail distance of 564 km incurs travel time of approximately 14 hours.
04/11/15 Sharmistha Mukherjee/Indian Express
