Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the revised flight schedule for the Bengaluru–Bidar–Bengaluru civil aviation service. The minister highlighted that the service had remained suspended for nearly one and a half years after the Central Government discontinued the subsidy provided under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme.
Background of the Service Suspension
The Bengaluru–Bidar route, which was launched to enhance regional connectivity, faced a prolonged suspension of approximately 18 months. This disruption occurred after the central government stopped the financial support under the UDAN scheme, which aims to make air travel affordable and accessible to common citizens. The suspension left passengers from Bidar and surrounding regions with limited options for air travel to the state capital.
Minister's Concerns
Minister Khandre, who oversees key portfolios in the Karnataka government, voiced his concerns over the revised schedule. He stated that the new timetable does not adequately address the needs of passengers and fails to restore the service to its previous level of efficiency. The minister emphasized that reliable air connectivity is crucial for the economic development of Bidar and its neighboring areas.
Impact on Regional Connectivity
The discontinuation of the subsidy under the UDAN scheme has had a cascading effect on regional aviation. The minister noted that without adequate government support, airlines find it challenging to operate routes that are not commercially viable. This has led to reduced flight frequencies and, in some cases, complete suspension of services. The revised schedule, according to Khandre, does little to alleviate these issues.
Call for Action
Minister Khandre urged the central government to reconsider its decision and reinstate the subsidy for the Bengaluru–Bidar route. He argued that such support is essential to ensure that regional air travel remains accessible to all sections of society. The minister also called for a more sustainable approach to regional aviation, involving collaboration between state and central authorities.
Future Prospects
While the revised schedule is now in effect, the minister's remarks highlight the ongoing challenges in maintaining regional air connectivity. Stakeholders, including local businesses and residents, are hopeful that the state and central governments will find a long-term solution to keep the service operational and reliable.
