Salem: Industry leaders and representatives in Salem region have urged the Central government not to adopt the ‘dynamic fares’ system for air travel which is costly and stressed the need for 'fixed fare' under the the Government of India’s regional connectivity scheme (Udan scheme) linking tier-II cities with metros like Salem to Chennai.
In a statement here on Saturday ,K. Mariappan, president of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Salem , said, “as there is good traffic from Salem to Chennai sector, authorities have adopted dynamic fares on slab basis depending on the rush.”
“Though they have agreed to charge Rs 1,499 for each of the 36 seats for the first three months, from last Tuesday they have increased the fare from
Rs 1,499 to Rs 8,500 for the late coming passengers. Dynamic fares may be suitable for major airports, but for small airports like Salem under the Udan scheme, for the second half capacity (36 seats) the fare should not exceed Rs 3,000, which is double the fare.”
The association requested the government to intervene at this beginning stage and fix a reasonable ceiling for fare under the Udan Scheme.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr. Edappadi K Palaniswami, who hails from Salem district, had last week flagged off the first air service from Salem to Chennai under the Udan scheme, it may be recalled.
