To bolster security operations and ease the movement of personnel deployed in Manipur, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has proposed establishing Air Courier Service (ACS) facilities along two new flight routes. The initiative seeks to connect Delhi directly with Imphal and Silchar, mirroring the dedicated aerial transport system currently extended to security forces operating in Jammu and Kashmir. Once sanctioned, the direct corridors will streamline the movement of troops while expediting the transportation of essential government stores, sensitive materials, and official equipment from the national capital to the border state.
CRPF Proposes Direct Air Routes for Manipur Deployment
In response to evolving security dynamics over recent months, the CRPF has significantly augmented its deployment in Manipur. Along with strategic operational realignments, senior officers and specialized personnel from the anti-Naxal Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) unit have been dispatched to reinforce the region. Given the complex terrain and sensitive environment, enhancing regional aerial connectivity has emerged as an operational priority. Consequently, the Directorate General of the CRPF submitted a formal proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs in March 2026 requesting dedicated ACS operations on the Delhi-Imphal-Delhi and Delhi-Silchar-Delhi corridors.
Home Ministry Calls for Gap Analysis and Route Review
Following the submission of the proposal, the Ministry of Home Affairs initiated an evaluation of the requested air routes. The Ministry asked the CRPF to provide detailed justification regarding the operational necessity of these specific sectors and inquired whether a comprehensive gap analysis had been conducted to assess troop requirement metrics. Furthermore, the Ministry highlighted the need to rationalize existing transport arrangements to ensure efficiency and avoid redundant infrastructure across the armed forces logistics network.
Evaluation of Existing Transit Corridors via Kolkata
Presently, air transit for armed personnel operating in the Northeastern states relies heavily on hub connections through Kolkata. The Home Ministry observed that if direct flights between Delhi, Imphal, and Silchar become operational, a substantial portion of troops may prefer traveling directly via Delhi rather than routing through Kolkata. In light of this, the Ministry requested the BSF and associated nodal authorities to reassess the ongoing necessity of existing routes, including Kolkata-Imphal-Kolkata and Kolkata-Aizawl-Silchar-Kolkata. The CRPF is currently deliberating on the observations and queries put forward by the Ministry.
Understanding the Air Courier Service (ACS) Framework
The Air Courier Service (ACS) is a specialized welfare and logistical transport scheme administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs for personnel serving across Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). It is designed to provide secure, rapid aerial transit for security personnel posted in remote, high-risk, or challenging operational terrains when reporting for duty or traveling on sanctioned leave. The facility covers personnel across all ranks and applies to the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Intelligence Bureau (IB), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
