Srinagar, Feb 13: At a time when air travel remains the only way to get in or out of Ladakh region, the locals have accused airlines of resorting to “open loot” by raising airfares manifold.
Ladakh remains cut off from the rest of Kashmir valley during winter months due to closure of only surface link, Srinagar- Leh National Highway.
The closure of Srinagar-Leh highway coupled with a huge rush of passengers on Delhi-Leh sector has led to sky rocketing of airfares, the residents told Greater Kashmir.
A cursory look at various travel portals indicates that per passenger airfare between Delhi to Leh for this weekend is touching Rs 33,000, which is almost three times the usual fare in this sector.
The people have expressed anger and disappointment over the exorbitant airfares that makes their travel unaffordable.
Many people including students who have to go Ladakh around this time said that they were unable to do it because of skyrocketing airfares.
” Ladakhis are suffering due to continuous cancellations of flights & skyrocketing air fare. Just reminding Jenab @JM_Scindia who once said that Even a person who wears ‘hawai chappal’can travel by ‘hawai jahaz’ as spelt out under PM’s vision. Where did the vision disappeared ? ” prominent social-political activist from Kargil Sajad Hussain Kargili tweeted.
He said that the government should look into the matter and take up necessary steps so that the common people doesn’t suffer.
Ladakhis are suffering due to continuous cancellations of flights & skyrocketing air fare.
Just reminding Jenab @JM_Scindia who once said that Even a person who wears ‘hawai chappal’can travel by ‘hawai jahaz’ as spelt out under PM’s vision.
Where did the vision disappeared ? pic.twitter.com/LGFhHgLbtv
— Sajjad Kargili | سجاد کرگلی (@SajjadKargili_) February 12, 2023
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal on Monday raised the issue and concerns of exorbitant airfares for Ladakh and requested the government to take necessary action from their end. He also urged the government to start additional flights for Ladakh during winters, especially for students, patients and elderly people.