Latest news with #RegionalConnectivityScheme
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
"Major boost for Bihar's aviation sector": Sanjay Jha praises CM Nitish after cabinet reduced VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel
Patna (Bihar) [India], June 3 (ANI): Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, on Tuesday, praised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after state cabinet reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) from 29 per cent to just 4 per cent. In a post on X, Jha termed it a major boost for Bihar's aviation sector. 'The Bihar Cabinet has taken a landmark step by reducing VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) from 29% to just 4%. For flights under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), the VAT rate remains unchanged at 1%. Heartfelt gratitude to CM Nitishumar Ji for this progressive decision, one that will encourage more airlines to operate in the state and make air travel more accessible and affordable,' Sanjay Jha said. 'This reform is expected to significantly boost the number of flights from Patna, Darbhanga, and Gayaji, enhancing Bihar's air connectivity and opening new avenues for tourism, trade, and growth,' the JD(U) MP said. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar chaired a high-level cabinet meeting on Tuesday and approved 47 key proposals, including large-scale infrastructure projects, new government job openings, and significant policy decisions. The Bihar Cabinet approved the creation of 4,858 new posts across various government departments to improve administrative efficiency and public service delivery. Among the major infrastructure decisions, a Rs 1,320 crore plan was approved for setting up a sewerage network project in Sasaram, Aurangabad, and Siwan. In addition, a Rs 328 crore water supply scheme received clearance for Ara, Siwan, and Sasaram cities, aiming to boost urban utility services. The cabinet also approved a new Bridge Maintenance Policy, which would ensure regular inspection, safety checks, and timely repairs of bridges across the state. In a move expected to improve air connectivity, the Value-Added Tax (VAT) on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) in Bihar was reduced from 29 per cent to 4 per cent. A proposal to build a dry dock in Dujra, Patna, was also approved. The facility will be used to repair aircraft, making it the first such unit in the region. In a significant step towards women's empowerment, the cabinet decided that 'Jeevika Didis' (members of the state's women's self-help groups) would prepare clothes for children at Anganwadi centres. The area of Phulwari Sharif, Danapur, and Khagol near the capital of Patna will be expanded, and many villages will become part of these cities. (ANI)
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Bihar slashes VAT on aviation turbine fuel to 4% to boost air connectivity
The Bihar Cabinet on Tuesday approved the proposal for reduction of value-added tax (VAT) on aviation turbine fuel ( ATF ) from 29 per cent to 4 per cent. The state Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar , approved the proposal of the Commercial Tax department to reduce VAT on ATF to attract more commercial flights. Bihar DyCM Samrat Choudhary in a statement issued after the cabinet meeting said, "The Cabinet approved the reduction of VAT on ATF from 29 per cent to 4 per cent under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). With this decision of the government, the air ticket prices will further reduce and it will also attract more commercial fights in the will further enhance state's revenue and will also generate employment.". Earlier, 4 per cent VAT on ATF was applicable at Gaya airport only, Choudhary who also holds the Finance portfolio said, adding now the reduced rate will be applicable at all airports in the state. "This was also done with the objective of promoting tourism in the state. Bihar is home to many tourist destinations and is visited by a large number of tourists from all over the world. The decision has been taken following the request of the Central government. The Ministry of Civil Aviation had requested the state government to reduce VAT to 4 per cent on ATF," said the DyCM.
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Bihar reduces VAT on aviation turbine fuel to 4% to boost air connectivity
The Bihar Cabinet on Tuesday approved the proposal for reduction of value-added tax (VAT) on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) from 29 per cent to 4 per cent. The state Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, approved the proposal of the Commercial Tax department to reduce VAT on ATF to attract more commercial flights. Bihar DyCM Samrat Choudhary in a statement issued after the cabinet meeting said, "The Cabinet approved the reduction of VAT on ATF from 29 per cent to 4 per cent under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). With this decision of the government, the air ticket prices will further reduce and it will also attract more commercial fights in the will further enhance state's revenue and will also generate employment." Earlier, 4 per cent VAT on ATF was applicable at Gaya airport only, Choudhary who also holds the Finance portfolio said, adding now the reduced rate will be applicable at all airports in the state. "This was also done with the objective of promoting tourism in the state. Bihar is home to many tourist destinations and is visited by a large number of tourists from all over the world. The decision has been taken following the request of the Central government. The Ministry of Civil Aviation had requested the state government to reduce VAT to 4 per cent on ATF," said the DyCM.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Bihar slashes VAT on aviation turbine fuel to 4% to boost air connectivity
The Bihar Cabinet on Tuesday approved the proposal for reduction of value-added tax (VAT) on aviation turbine fuel ( ATF ) from 29 per cent to 4 per cent. The state Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar , approved the proposal of the Commercial Tax department to reduce VAT on ATF to attract more commercial flights. Bihar DyCM Samrat Choudhary in a statement issued after the cabinet meeting said, "The Cabinet approved the reduction of VAT on ATF from 29 per cent to 4 per cent under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). With this decision of the government, the air ticket prices will further reduce and it will also attract more commercial fights in the will further enhance state's revenue and will also generate employment.". Also Read: IATA cuts traffic, profit forecasts for 2025 as Airlines face aircraft delivery delays Earlier, 4 per cent VAT on ATF was applicable at Gaya airport only, Choudhary who also holds the Finance portfolio said, adding now the reduced rate will be applicable at all airports in the state. Live Events "This was also done with the objective of promoting tourism in the state. Bihar is home to many tourist destinations and is visited by a large number of tourists from all over the world. The decision has been taken following the request of the Central government. The Ministry of Civil Aviation had requested the state government to reduce VAT to 4 per cent on ATF," said the DyCM.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Operation Sindoor: Hindon Airport suspends flights for 3 days
There will be no flights from Hindon terminal for three days. The decision was taken after India launched a air strike on terrorist sites across under the Operation Sindoor in Pakistan and PoK, putting defence forces on high alert. The Hindon terminal, which functions out of the Indian Air Force (IAF) base in Ghaziabad, has been temporarily closed due to security reasons. The suspension of flights from the Hindon airport began on Wednesday and is expected to continue until 5 am on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The shutdown affects several domestic routes, and both airlines and passengers have been advised to stay updated via official channels. Flight Operations Suspended at Hindon Airport Currently, around 16 commercial flights operate daily from the Hindon airport, with Air India Express being the primary carrier. These flights connect major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Goa, Kolkata, Varanasi, Patna, Jaipur, and Bhubaneswar. Due to Operation Sindoor, these services are on hold. An update will be provided daily, according to Ghaziabad District Magistrate Deepak Meena, who said, 'There's no fixed timeline yet. We will share information as we receive updates.' Airlines and Passengers Affected Air India Express has officially announced flight disruptions due to restrictions placed under Operation Sindoor. Flights to and from Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, and Hindon have been cancelled for the time being. The airline posted a message on X (formerly Twitter), advising travellers to monitor alerts and messages for any new information. #ImportantUpdate We are offering a full refund or free rescheduling for our flights to and from Amritsar, Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar and Hindon until 05:30hrs on 10th May 2025. To change or cancel your bookings online, please visit: or #ChatWithTia on… — Air India Express (@AirIndiaX) May 7, 2025 Fly Big Airlines, which flies to smaller cities such as Kishangarh, Adampur, Bathinda, and Ludhiana, has also halted services following a directive from the Indian Air Force. Similarly, Star Air's operations on the Hindon-Nanded route are also suspended. Passenger Experiences and Reactions According to TOI, travellers have been caught off guard by the sudden cancellations. Sriwats Gopal, who was flying to Patna, said, 'I only found out when I checked my phone. I called the helpline, and they confirmed there were no flights from Hindon terminal.' Another passenger, Abhishek Jha, shared, 'Thankfully, I received an update in time. Now I'm planning to fly from Delhi to Varanasi on a different date.' Why Hindon Terminal Is Important The Hindon terminal was launched in 2017 under the Government's Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) to reduce pressure on Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). Located in Ghaziabad, the terminal is popular among travellers from East Delhi and surrounding areas who prefer avoiding the long drive to IGI. According to recent updates from the terminal's official social media handle, over 4,000 passengers travelled through Hindon airport on Tuesday alone, with 14 flight movements recorded in a single day. Flights May Resume After May 10 Although there are currently no flights from Hindon terminal, there's hope that normal operations may resume post-May 10, depending on the security situation. Authorities will continue to issue daily advisories regarding the status of Hindon terminal. Passengers are advised to keep an eye on updates from airlines and the Hindon airport to avoid inconvenience. Operation Sindoor: 27 airports, including Leh, Amritsar and Jamnaga,r shut; over 400 flights cancelled Amid heightened cross-border tensions following missile strikes by Indian armed forces in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on nine terror bases, 27 airports across northern, western, and central India have been shut for commercial operations. As per a Times of India report, this includes key hubs like Leh, Amritsar, and Jamnagar. The move has led to widespread disruption of air traffic, with over 430 flights cancelled by Indian carriers on Thursday (May 8) alone. Delhi Airport issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) stating: "Due to changing airspace conditions, some flights have been impacted. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates and alternate travel arrangements." To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
