PUNJAB GOVERNMENT STEPS IN TO ENSURE ZERO CHAOS AT SHAHEED BHAGAT SINGH AIRPORT, SETS UP CONTROL ROOM TO FACILITATE PASSENGERS

SECRETARY CIVIL AVIATION HOLDS REVIEW MEETING WITH ALL THE STAKEHOLDERS TO NORMALIZE THE SITUATION

Chandigarh/ SAS Nagar, December 7:Amidst the ongoing Indigo crisis in the country, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann has stepped in to ensure zero chaos at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport by setting up a 24X7 control room to facilitate the passengers.

“The state government led by Chief Minister has taken this initiative to minimize inconvenience to the passengers”, said Secretary Civil Aviation, Punjab Ms. Sonali Giri, who held detailed parleys with the Airport authorities, CISF and the airline companies to streamline the situation.

The Secretary Civil Aviation said that as directed by Chief Minister Mr Bhagwant Singh Mann, the control room has been started immediately to facilitate the passengers affected by IndiGo flight delays/ cancellations. She said that a control room has been set up at the Duty Terminal Manager’s office for real-time information and assistance pertaining to refunds and rescheduling, baggage delivery and flight updates.

Ms. Sonali Giri said that teams are continuously monitoring flight operations, delays, cancellations, and baggage issues to ensure timely assistance and updates.

The Secretary Civil Aviation said that for any sort of assistance the passengers can contact helpline number 95010-15832 adding that people can register their queries on official social media handles of Chial especially on @ixcairport too. Similarly, she said that passengers can also call at helpline numbers including 92899 38532 of Indigo Airlines, 8800197833 / 0172-2242201 of Air India, 92055 08549 of Air India Express, 98184 28648 of the Alliance Air for redressal of their issues.

Ms. Sonali Giri said that the sole aim is to ensure passenger facilitation amidst ongoing IndiGo flight disruptions.

The Secretary Civil Aviation laid thrust on timely refunds, rescheduling, baggage delivery and Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) guideline compliance along with quick grievance redressal.

She said that the Indigo airlines is having around 30 bags/ luggage of the various passengers which will be sent to the passengers at their respective residences free of cost by the airline. Ms. Sonali Giri said that Airline will also make sure that the intimation regarding the cancellation of the flights is given to the passengers atleast 10 hours prior to the flight.

Dwelling on the issue of guidelines of Government of India regarding capping of air tickets price, the Secretary said that it has already been implemented, so as to avoid any sort of exploitation to the passengers. She also said that any type of profiteering by the taxi operators and Hotels from the passengers in this hour of crisis will also not be allowed and the state government is keeping a strict vigil over it. Ms. Sonali Giri said that provision of medicines, food and other concerns of the passengers are being taken care of by the airport authority and the state government.

The Secretary further said that lists of II Tier, III Tier and others hotels in the vicinity of the airport will also be shared by the state government so that outstation passengers don’t have to face any sort of inconvenience. She expressed hope that the situation will normalize soon as the government has already made strenuous efforts in this. Ms. Sonali Giri also urged the people not to panic as every step is being taken by the state government to safeguard their interests by all means.

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MRSAFPI’S WINNING STREAK CONTINUES; 50 CADETS AT NDA

*• 181 alumni commissioned as officers in Defence Services so far*

*• Aman Arora congratulates training staff for exceptional performance*

Chandigarh, December 7:The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI), SAS Nagar (Mohali) has achieved a new milestone as 50 cadets are currently undergoing training at National Defence Academy (NDA). This is the largest strength from the Institute in NDA since its inception. Notably, three alumni are now serving as NDA Instructors, shaping the next generation of Indian Armed Forces leaders.

The under-training NDA cadet strength of MRSAFPI Mohali is a close second to that of the legendary Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), marking a remarkable achievement for the Institute.

Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora lauded MRSAFPI's training staff for bringing glory to the state, while urging them to maintain their exceptional performance.

Highlighting the Institute’s impressive track record, Mr. Aman Arora informed that a total of 278 cadets have joined Service Training Academies since its inception and 181 alumni commissioned as officers in the Defence Services till date. Seven cadets would be passing out from Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Air Force Academy (AFA) on December 13, 2025. 15 cadets are set to join NDA and other training academies this month.

Major General Ajay H Chauhan, VSM (Retd), the Director of MRSAFPI, shared that admissions for the 16th Course at MRSAFPI are underway. All class 10th students (males of Punjab domicile) aspiring to join the NDA through MRSAFPI Mohali can apply online till 15 December 2025 at https://recruitment-portal.in. The entrance examination is scheduled for January 4, 2026 (Sunday).