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Flight cost cheaper than bus fare
KHOTANG, JUN 30 -
Unusual it may sound, but travelling is cheaper by air than road for the residents of Khotang, an eastern hilly district. Availing of bus service to Kathmandu, Dhankuta or any other distant location costs one twice as much as flying to these destinations. According to Narendra Udash, Station Manager of the local Civil Aviation Authority, it costs Rs. 2,200 to 2,300 and takes 30 minutes to reach Kathmandu from Lamidanda by air while it costs almost double and takes days to reach the Capital by road.
Chairman of Transport Entrepreneurs’ Association Gopi Udash said travelling by bus is more expensive in comparison to flight in Khotang. It takes three days to reach Kathmandu from here at a total cost of Rs. 4,000. “Travelling to Dhankuta or Saptari is no cheaper. As a result, many people choose to fly for faster and more affordable journeys,” said Chief District Officer Keshav Raj Acharya.
Air service is, however, not available as and when one needs. Of the three airports in the district, Manmaya Rai airstrip is out of operation since April 14. What’s worse, traders in the district get goods delivered by air. Proprietor of Bajimaya Agrovet, Raju Bajimaya said, “We transport fertilisers, seeds and other products by air since it is cheaper.”
Passengers have grievances against airport officials for prioritising traders in selling air tickets.
Posted on: 2010-07-01 08:06
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