IndiGo has unveiled direct flights linking Bhubaneswar and Bagdogra with a stop at Andal near Durgapur, available four days a week. Additionally, daily flights between Durgapur and Bhubaneswar have been introduced. Vinay Malhotra of IndiGo announced that this new route will boost connectivity. The flights will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
IndiGo, one
of India's largest airlines, has recently expanded its route network by
introducing direct flights connecting Bhubaneswar and Bagdogra, with a
convenient stopover at Andal, near Durgapur in southern Bengal. This strategic
addition is designed to enhance trade, travel, and tourism between these
regions, particularly benefiting tourists and students.
The new
flights will operate four days a week—Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and
Sunday—between Bhubaneswar, Durgapur, and Bagdogra. However, there will be
daily flights between Durgapur and Bhubaneswar, ensuring consistent
connectivity for passengers traveling within this corridor. This new route
opens up greater opportunities for seamless travel, especially for those
traveling from North Bengal to Odisha or vice versa.
Vinay
Malhotra, the head of global sales at IndiGo, expressed the airline’s
enthusiasm about this new route expansion. He highlighted that the direct
flights are aimed at providing customers with improved connectivity, which
aligns with IndiGo's broader strategy of making air travel more accessible and
convenient across India.
According to
sources from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the flight from Bhubaneswar
is scheduled to depart at 11:15 a.m., arriving in Durgapur at 12:55 p.m. After
a brief stopover, the flight will take off from Durgapur at 1:15 p.m., reaching
Bagdogra at 2:20 p.m. For the return journey, the flight will depart from
Bagdogra at 2:55 p.m., land in Durgapur at 4:05 p.m., and then proceed to
Bhubaneswar.
The
introduction of these direct flights is expected to significantly reduce travel
time for passengers who previously relied on train services, which can be
time-consuming. This reduction in travel time will be particularly beneficial
for tourists from North Bengal, who frequently travel to Puri, one of the most
popular tourist destinations in Odisha. Puri's appeal as a coastal town, famous
for its temples and beaches, makes it a favored spot for Bengali tourists. The
new flights provide a faster and more convenient way for these tourists to
reach their destination.
Furthermore,
this enhanced connectivity is likely to be a boon for students from North
Bengal who study in various institutions in Odisha. The availability of regular
flights between Durgapur and Bhubaneswar will make it easier for these students
to travel back and forth, especially during holidays and semester breaks. The
reduction in travel time and the convenience of air travel will also allow
students to maintain closer ties with their families while pursuing their
education in Odisha.
In addition
to the obvious benefits for tourists and students, the new flight route is also
expected to boost business travel between these regions. Bhubaneswar, being a
growing hub for education, IT, and tourism, will likely see increased business
traffic from Durgapur and Bagdogra. The enhanced connectivity will facilitate
easier and quicker business trips, encouraging greater interaction and
collaboration between businesses in these regions.
The flight
service between Bhubaneswar and Bagdogra via Durgapur is not just a mere
addition to IndiGo's route map; it is a reflection of the airline's commitment
to improving air travel accessibility across India. By connecting more cities
directly, IndiGo is making it easier for people to travel, whether for
business, education, or leisure, thereby contributing to the overall growth of
these regions.
In
conclusion, IndiGo’s new direct flights linking Bhubaneswar, Durgapur, and
Bagdogra represent a significant step forward in enhancing connectivity between
these important regional hubs. With the introduction of these flights, travelers
can look forward to shorter travel times, more convenient schedules, and the
opportunity to explore new destinations with ease. The benefits of this
expanded connectivity will be felt across various sectors, from tourism to
education and business, making it a valuable addition to India's aviation
network.
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