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Air fares in India cheaper than auto-rickshaw ride: Minister
New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS) India’s domestic air fares per km basis are cheaper than even an auto-rickshaw ride, Union Minister Jayant Sinha said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the International Aviation Summit being held here, Sinha said: “If you look at the typical cost of an auto-rickshaw, in any of our large cities, it is around Rs 8 to Rs 10 per km… say if two people are travelling on an auto-rickshaw, then on a per person basis it is around say Rs 4 to Rs 5 per km.”
“Air fares, if you book ahead of time, typically it is Rs 4 a km or sometimes even less, on a per km basis it is among the lowest in the world.”
In addition, the minister said: “Obviously, I am not implying therefore use planes for short distance, that’s not the point of the comparison, just to demonstrate how affordable air fares are.”
Accordingly, low air fares have been a major driver for passenger traffic in India.
When asked about the sustainability of the airline sector due to the high fuel cost and low passenger air fares, the minister said the sector’s growth is “not a bubble” as air fares in India are low but not the lowest in the world and that the ticket prices are driven by a number of inputs especially the fuel cost.
He added that if fuel prices go up then fares will also increase.
On the infrastructure requirement for the sector’s growth, Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said: “We have planned 100 new airports in India in the next 15 years, with an investment of $60 billion.”
“The vision 2035 for airport development will take an integrated approach towards this direction, and we welcome everyone across the industry to give their suggestions.”
The summit was held to commemorate the approaching milestone of 50-straight months of double digit domestic growth for Indian aviation.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.