New Delhi: Member Parliament (MP) from North Kashmir Er Rashid has raised concerns in Parliament about high airfares, airport conditions, and the need for better connectivity to remote areas in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Rashid highlighted the issue of airfare hikes to Kashmir during peak seasons, stating that while airline companies justify price surges during festivals and emergencies, in the Valley such a situation persists throughout the year.
He also pointed out that airline pricing disproportionately affects the common man, who primarily flies during emergencies but faces sudden fare hikes.
MP further said that even during tragedies, airlines charge excessively. Recalling an incident from 2012 when he was an MLA, he stated, “Two Bengali workers in my area fell into a well while working. To get their bodies transported, we had to pay five to six times the usual fare.”
He urged the government to ensure that airlines do not profit during such situations.
He also raised concerns about high food prices at airports and spoke about the workload faced by airline staff and the need for a more humane approach in airport security procedures.
“A common man feels as if he is being held captive at the airport,” he said, requesting the government to ensure a more passenger-friendly environment.
Highlighting the transportation issues in remote areas of Kashmir, he requested the government to introduce regular helicopter services to regions like Karna, Gurez, Keran, and Machil, especially during the six months of winter when these areas remain cut off.
